Even if they do make it in, for all their hardwork, they get a first round invitation to face the Spurs with Duncan/Parker or Thunder with Westbrook/Durant in the 1st round.
At least with the Clippers, I have a reasonable expectation that they can take out Memphis, and possibly, go past the 2nd round as they have big wins over the Thunder, Spurs, and Nuggets during the regular season.