Warriors Host Clippers in Crucial Season Finale

Stephen Curry and Golden State look to secure a top-six seed against Darius Garland and the LA Clippers

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers, with the players and court rendered in fragmented, overlapping planes of vibrant colors.The Warriors and Clippers clash in a critical season finale, with both teams fighting for playoff positioning in the crowded Western Conference.Inglewood Today

The 2025–26 NBA regular season reaches a climactic conclusion as the LA Clippers visit the Golden State Warriors at the brand-new Intuit Dome. The Warriors (37-44) need a win to build momentum for the Play-In tournament, while the Clippers (41-40) aim to solidify their playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference.

Why it matters

This matchup has major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations. The Warriors are fighting to secure a top-six seed and avoid the Play-In, while the Clippers are jockeying for position in the crowded Western Conference playoff race. The outcome could significantly impact the opening-round matchups.

The details

The Warriors have adjusted their rotation following the mid-season trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks. In his absence, Golden State has relied on the veteran presence of Al Horford and the length of Kristaps Porzingis to anchor the frontcourt. The Clippers, meanwhile, feature an updated backcourt led by Darius Garland, who has become a primary playmaker alongside Kawhi Leonard.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM ET (5:30 PM PT).

The players

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' star point guard and the focal point of their offense.

Darius Garland

The Clippers' playmaking guard who has emerged as a key contributor alongside Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star forward who is questionable for the game due to an ankle injury.

Al Horford

The veteran center who has stepped up in the absence of Jonathan Kuminga for the Warriors.

Kristaps Porzingis

The lengthy big man who has provided a defensive presence for the Warriors in the frontcourt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must find a way to slow down Curry and limit the Warriors' perimeter threats if we want to come away with a win.”

— Darius Garland, Clippers Guard

“This is a must-win game for us. We need to build momentum heading into the Play-In tournament, and a victory over the Clippers would be a huge boost.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors Guard

What’s next

The outcome of this game will determine the final seeding for both teams in the Western Conference. The Clippers and Warriors will then await their first-round playoff matchups, which will be announced in the days following the regular-season finale.

The takeaway

This high-stakes showdown between the Clippers and Warriors is a fitting end to the NBA regular season. Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives, and the result could have a significant impact on the opening-round postseason matchups in the Western Conference.