Warriors confident in 'guys that have been there' for do-or-die play-in game vs. Clippers

Golden State believes its championship experience will be an advantage against Los Angeles in the NBA play-in tournament.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:57pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and intensity of a basketball game, with the players' figures broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors.The Warriors' veteran leadership and championship pedigree will be put to the test against the Clippers in a winner-take-all play-in game.Inglewood Today

The Golden State Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers in a do-or-die NBA play-in tournament game on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome. Despite losing to the Clippers in their regular-season finale, the Warriors are confident in their veteran leadership and championship pedigree, led by Steph Curry, to get the job done in the high-stakes matchup.

Why it matters

The Warriors have been in this position before, having participated in the play-in tournament multiple times in recent years. Their experience and success in these win-or-go-home situations, including a championship in 2022, give them an advantage as they look to secure a playoff berth.

The details

The Warriors and Clippers have faced each other three times this season, with the Clippers winning all three matchups. However, the teams will have different rosters for Wednesday's game, with key players like Jimmy Butler and James Harden no longer on the teams. The Warriors will be relying on their veteran core, including Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford, to lead them to victory.

  • The Warriors and Clippers will face off in the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Warriors' regular-season finale against the Clippers was on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Steph Curry

The Warriors' star point guard and four-time NBA champion, who will be leaned on heavily in the do-or-die play-in game.

Draymond Green

The Warriors' veteran forward and four-time NBA champion, who brings championship experience and leadership to the team.

Al Horford

The Warriors' veteran center who has also won an NBA championship, providing additional experience and guidance to the team.

Charles Bassey

The Warriors' young center who has impressed in his limited time with the team and will look to contribute in the play-in game.

Brandin Podziemski

The Warriors' young guard who believes the team's championship experience gives them an advantage in the one-game playoff situation.

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What they’re saying

“We got guys that have been there, guys that have won, guys that have played meaningful basketball in recent years. And it always helps when you have Steph. So I think that's to our advantage. I think I like us probably better than anybody in a one-game situation.”

— Brandin Podziemski, Warriors guard

“Listening to those vets, man, is just going to be great for the team. They've been there, they know what it takes. It starts with them, and then hopefully they bring a great energy and the guys coming off the bench can match that and we can get a win.”

— Charles Bassey, Warriors center

“Super easy. We've been there before. Whether it's a Game 7 or the many play-in games that we've been fortunate enough to play in. Mentally it's just come with the right approach, the right mentality.”

— Steph Curry

What’s next

The winner of the Warriors-Clippers play-in game will advance to face the No. 7 seed Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

The Warriors' championship experience and leadership, particularly from Steph Curry, give them confidence in their ability to win the high-stakes play-in game against the Clippers. Their past success in these do-or-die situations has prepared them for the challenge ahead.