Warriors ready for high-stakes rematch with Clippers in play-in tournament

Golden State looks to draw on playoff experience in win-or-go-home matchup

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:13pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into overlapping angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the intensity of the high-stakes matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.The Warriors and Clippers renew their Western Conference rivalry in a pivotal play-in tournament showdown, with both teams' seasons hanging in the balance.Los Angeles Today

The Golden State Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers in a high-stakes rematch in the NBA play-in tournament just three days after the teams met in the regular season finale. The Warriors, led by veteran stars Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and a returning supporting cast, are prepared for the win-or-go-home scenario having been through the play-in tournament before.

Why it matters

The Warriors' play-in tournament experience, including a win last year, gives them an advantage over the Clippers, who are facing elimination for the first time in this format. The matchup also features two Western Conference rivals who know each other well, but haven't seen each other at full strength this season due to injuries.

The details

The Warriors and Clippers will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with the winner advancing to the first round of the playoffs. While the teams just played on Sunday, with the Clippers winning 115-110, both squads were missing key players. The Warriors' veteran trio of Curry, Green, and the recently returned Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are expected to play, but with restrictions on their minutes.

  • The Warriors and Clippers last played on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • The play-in tournament matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Stephen Curry

The veteran point guard and leader of the Warriors, who is returning from a knee injury and looking to lead his team to another playoff run.

Draymond Green

The Warriors' veteran forward and defensive anchor, who has extensive playoff experience and will be crucial in this win-or-go-home matchup.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star forward, who has not played in the teams' last two meetings due to injury.

Jimmy Butler

The Clippers' All-Star forward, who is out for the season after tearing his ACL.

Darius Garland

The Clippers' new point guard, acquired in a trade deadline deal, who will be making his debut against the Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“We've been there before. Whether it's a Game 7 or the many play-in games that we've been (sarcastically) fortunate enough to play in.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors point guard

“We know who they are.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors point guard

“As a competitor, you're gonna rise to the challenge.”

— Draymond Green, Warriors forward

“I think each team knows the other pretty well, just from playing against them a lot over the years.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors head coach

What’s next

The winner of the Warriors-Clippers play-in game will advance to face the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

The Warriors' experience in high-stakes playoff situations gives them an advantage over the Clippers, who are facing elimination for the first time in the play-in format. However, the teams' familiarity with each other and the potential return of key injured players for both sides could make for a closely contested matchup with a trip to the playoffs on the line.