The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament continues with a fitting Northern and Southern California rivalry. The limited Golden State Warriors will go on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, April 15, where the loser ends their season. The winner will play again Friday against the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The Warriors haven't had reason to be admirers of the NBA Play-In Tournament, having posted a 1-3 record in play-in games. Golden State has battled injuries throughout the season to Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Stephen Curry but managed to hang on for the 10th seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors have integrated 7-foot-2 center Kristaps Porzingis after a deadline trade; he's averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 23.7 minutes in 15 games with Golden State.
The Clippers are in the play-in for the second time in the postseason history, and they haven't had anything to cheer about either. They were defeated twice in their only appearance in 2022, losing both games for the No. 7 and 8 seeds.
The Clippers won the regular-season series with the Warriors, 3-1 in four meetings with their Pacific Division rival, including the final game of the season on April 12. Golden State has lost seven of its previous eight games, a lone win coming against the lottery-bound Sacramento Kings.
