Clippers and Warriors Face Off in Crucial Play-In Matchup

California rivals meet in a do-or-die Western Conference play-in game

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, with the players and court fragmented into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Clippers and Warriors clash in a high-stakes play-in game, with both teams fighting for a spot in the NBA playoffs.Los Angeles Today

The No. 9 seed Los Angeles Clippers will host the No. 10 seed Golden State Warriors in a crucial Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday. The Clippers finished the regular season 42-40, while the Warriors were 37-45. Both teams are looking to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs through the play-in tournament.

Why it matters

This matchup between the Clippers and Warriors features two of the NBA's most high-profile franchises, both with star power and a history of intense rivalries. The winner will advance to the first round of the playoffs, while the loser's season will come to an end. The game is expected to be a high-scoring affair between two teams that can fill it up from the perimeter.

The details

The Clippers are led by six-time All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, who is averaging career-highs in scoring (27.9 ppg) and 3-pointers made (2.6 per game). The Warriors, despite injuries to Stephen Curry for much of the season, still managed to finish second in the NBA in 3-pointers made during the regular season with 1,286. Curry, who has recently returned from a knee injury, is expected to play with a minutes restriction.

  • The play-in game is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Clippers finished the regular season 42-40 and fell into the 9/10 matchup after dropping two late-season games to the Portland Trail Blazers.
  • The Warriors finished the regular season 37-45 and secured the No. 10 seed in the West.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A six-time All-NBA forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who is averaging career-highs in scoring (27.9 ppg) and 3-pointers made (2.6 per game) this season.

Stephen Curry

The two-time NBA MVP for the Golden State Warriors who has recently returned from a knee injury and is expected to play with a minutes restriction.

Bennedict Mathurin

A key bench player for the Clippers who had a bounce-back performance in the regular season finale after a recent cold spell.

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What they’re saying

“He's always been a great player. I don't know how much he's changed since we saw him in the (NBA) Finals in (2019)”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

“Just being in attack mode... When we get stops, we need him to go a little bit faster, because he's one of the best guys in transition”

— Tyronn Lue, Clippers Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of Wednesday's play-in game will advance to face the No. 8 seed in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Clippers and Warriors features two of the NBA's most exciting teams and players, with the winner earning a spot in the playoffs and the loser's season coming to an end. The game is expected to be a high-scoring affair that could come down to which team is able to control the pace of play.