Clippers Prepare Rotation for Play-In Tournament

Ty Lue faces tough decisions on minutes for stars and reserves

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the court.The Clippers' high-stakes Play-In Tournament clash with the Warriors will require a carefully constructed rotation to keep their stars fresh and their reserves engaged.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a must-win situation in the NBA Play-In Tournament, needing to win two straight games to make the playoffs. Head coach Ty Lue will have to carefully manage the minutes for his star players Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, while also finding the right balance of playing time for the supporting cast of John Collins, Jordan Miller, Bennedict Mathurin, and others.

Why it matters

The Clippers are in a precarious position, needing to win two straight games in the Play-In Tournament to extend their season and make the playoffs. Lue will have to walk a fine line between playing his stars heavy minutes to win now, while also keeping them fresh for a potential playoff run.

The details

Lue is expected to start Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Brook Lopez alongside Leonard and Garland. The key reserves will be Collins, Miller, and Mathurin, though Mathurin will be on a short leash after struggling defensively in a recent game. Depending on the situation, Kobe Sanders, Nicolas Batum, and Isaiah Jackson could also see minutes, with Jackson potentially getting a look at center to help defend against Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green.

  • The Clippers' first Play-In game is on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.
  • In the final week of the regular season, Lue changed the Clippers' starting lineup.
  • Mathurin struggled defensively in the Clippers' crucial loss to the Blazers on Friday.

The players

Ty Lue

Head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers who will be tasked with managing the minutes and rotations for his team in the high-stakes Play-In Tournament.

Kawhi Leonard

All-Star forward for the Clippers who will need to play heavy minutes to help the team win.

Darius Garland

All-Star guard for the Clippers who will also need to play a major role in the team's Play-In games.

John Collins

Clippers reserve forward who has been a trusted part of the rotation in recent weeks.

Bennedict Mathurin

Clippers reserve guard who has struggled defensively and could see his minutes limited if he doesn't perform early.

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What they’re saying

“Lue admitted that fatigue played a role in the crucial loss. Garland played over 40, and Leonard played over 37 minutes in that game.”

— Ty Lue, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Lue faces a delicate balancing act in the Play-In Tournament, needing to play his stars heavy minutes to win now while also keeping them fresh for a potential playoff run. Finding the right rotation and minutes distribution will be crucial for the Clippers' postseason hopes.