Warriors vs. Clippers scenarios, 2026 NBA playoff bracket on the line

The Warriors and Clippers face off on the final day of the NBA regular season with playoff seeding at stake.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:50am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into angular shapes and planes of bright, contrasting colors.The final regular season matchup between the Warriors and Clippers could have a major impact on the 2026 NBA playoff bracket.Los Angeles Today

The Warriors have already clinched a spot in the Play-In Tournament as the No. 10 seed in the West, while the Clippers are tied with the Trail Blazers at 41-40 and currently sit behind Portland due to a tiebreaker disadvantage. The outcome of the Warriors-Clippers game will determine the Clippers' playoff positioning, with a Clippers win potentially moving them up to the No. 8 seed if the Trail Blazers lose.

Why it matters

The Warriors-Clippers matchup on the final day of the regular season has major implications for the 2026 NBA playoff bracket. The Clippers are fighting for a higher playoff seed, while the Warriors are locked into the No. 10 spot and a Play-In Tournament appearance. The game could set up a potential rematch between the two teams in the Play-In round.

The details

If the Warriors win, the Clippers will remain the No. 9 seed and face the Warriors in the Play-In Tournament, with the winner advancing to face the No. 8 seed. If the Clippers win and the Trail Blazers lose, the Clippers could jump up to the No. 8 seed and face the No. 7 seed Suns in the first round of the playoffs. However, if the Trail Blazers win, the Clippers will stay at No. 9 regardless of their result against the Warriors.

  • The Warriors and Clippers face off on the final day of the 2026 NBA regular season, Sunday, April 12.
  • The Play-In Tournament games will take place in the days following the end of the regular season.

The players

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have already clinched a spot in the Play-In Tournament as the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are tied with the Trail Blazers for the No. 9 seed in the West, but currently sit behind Portland due to a tiebreaker disadvantage.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers are tied with the Clippers for the No. 9 seed in the West, holding the tiebreaker advantage.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns have clinched the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings will face the Trail Blazers in the final game of the regular season.

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What they’re saying

“While the Warriors are locked into their spot in the West, the Clippers face the possibility of getting another matchup with Golden State in the Play-In Tournament.”

— Dan Treacy, Author

“Even with a win on Sunday, the Clippers don't control their own fate.”

— Dan Treacy, Author

What’s next

The Warriors and Clippers will face off on Sunday, April 12, with the winner of that game potentially setting up a rematch in the Play-In Tournament. The Trail Blazers will also play the Kings on the final day, with the outcome of that game impacting the Clippers' playoff positioning.

The takeaway

The Warriors-Clippers matchup on the final day of the NBA regular season has major implications for the 2026 playoff bracket, with the Clippers fighting to improve their seeding and avoid a potential first-round matchup with the Warriors. The game could set the stage for an intriguing Play-In Tournament showdown between the two teams.