This year, the regular season was a close battle up until the end to decide which teams would advance to the 2018 playoffs. The Denver Nuggets would end up missing their fifth playoffs in a row, when they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a direct game for the eighth and last seed in the Western Conference. But, what teams have had the longest droughts between making a playoff appearance?

5. Dallas Mavericks – 10 seasons

The Mavericks failed to reach the playoffs between 1991 and 2000. Since then, they have only missed three playoffs (2012-13/2016-17 and 2017-18).

4. Sacramento Kings – 12 seasons

The Kings have the only active drought on this list. They made their last playoff appearance in the 2005/2006 season, when they lost in the first round of the Spurs. In the history of the NBA, the Kings have won one championship, back in 1951, when they were still named the Rochester Royals. Therefore, they also have the longest championship title drought, as the Kings have a 68 season championship drought.

3. Golden State Warriors – 12 seasons

The Warriors didn’t make a single playoff appearance from 1995 until 2006. But, they are currently having some of their best franchise years, with two championships in three years. In the 2015 Finals against the Cavaliers, both teams hadn’t won a championship in over 20 years.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 13 seasons

The Timberwolves have just ended their drought by making it to their first playoffs since 2004. Furthermore, the Timberwolves are one of twelve teams that have yet to reach their first NBA Finals and win their first championship. They came the closest on reaching the Finals in 2003-2004, when the Timberwolves lost the Conference Finals to the Lakers.

1. Los Angeles Clippers – 15 seasons

The Los Angeles Clippers have had the longest playoffs drought in the NBA. They didn’t reach the post-season once between 1977 and 1991. In 1992, when they reached the playoffs again, the Clippers immediately lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz. Furthermore, the Clippers are also one of the teams that has yet to reach the Finals and win their first championship.