Clippers and Warriors Clash in Western Conference Play-In

California rivals meet in a do-or-die matchup for the final playoff spot

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into angular, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and intensity of the play-in matchup.The Clippers and Warriors' high-stakes play-in game promises an explosive clash of California basketball rivals.Los Angeles Today

The No. 9 seed Los Angeles Clippers will host the No. 10 seed Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday. The Clippers finished the regular season 42-40 and are led by Kawhi Leonard, while the Warriors went 37-45 but boast a potent 3-point shooting attack led by Stephen Curry.

Why it matters

This matchup between two California rivals with storied histories will determine which team claims the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both squads are looking to extend their seasons and make a postseason push.

The details

The Clippers secured the No. 9 seed after dropping two late-season games to the Portland Trail Blazers, including a 116-97 loss last Friday. Meanwhile, the Warriors finished as the West's No. 10 team. Los Angeles has won three of its four meetings with Golden State this season, including a 115-110 victory on Sunday to close the regular season. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of transition play and matching the Warriors' tempo, as Golden State can 'embarrass you' if teams fail to keep up.

  • The play-in game will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Clippers locked in the No. 9 seed after their loss to the Trail Blazers on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

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

Stephen Curry

The two-time NBA MVP for the Warriors who recently returned from a knee injury and is on a minutes restriction, but still led the team with 190 3-pointers made during the regular season.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Clippers who emphasized the importance of transition play and matching the Warriors' tempo ahead of the play-in game.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Warriors who praised Kawhi Leonard's continued excellence, referencing his Finals MVP performance against Golden State in 2019.

Bennedict Mathurin

The Clippers' spark plug who scored 20 points off the bench in the regular-season finale, bouncing back from a scoreless outing against the Trail Blazers.

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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 Western Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

This high-stakes matchup between the Clippers and Warriors will showcase two of the NBA's most exciting offenses and determine which California franchise secures the final playoff spot in the West.