The Los Angeles Clippers will enter Wednesday nightâs Play-In Tournament matchup with everything on the line as they host the Golden State Warriors. The winner will keep their postseason hopes alive, while the loserâs season will come to an immediate end.
Los Angeles finished the regular season as the No. 9 seed with a 42-40 record, setting up a high-stakes clash against a Warriors team led by Stephen Curry. The Clippers, however, have leaned on the consistency and production of Kawhi Leonard, who delivered one of his best seasons and remains central to their playoff push.
The team provided further clarity ahead of tipoff by confirming its starting lineup.
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup Against Golden State Warriors
The Clippers will open the game with Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, and Brook Lopez. The decision reflects a balanced approach on both ends of the floor as Los Angeles looks to capitalize on its depth and defensive versatility in a win-or-go-home scenario.
The announced lineup places Garland in a primary ball-handling role alongside Dunn in the backcourt. Garland brings scoring and playmaking, while Dunn adds perimeter defense and pressure against Golden Stateâs guards.
Jones Jr. provides athleticism on the wing, contributing both defensively and in transition. Leonard anchors the unit as the focal point offensively and one of the teamâs top defenders. Lopez completes the group at center, offering size, rim protection, and spacing.
The lineup reflects the Clippersâ identity throughout the season. They have relied on a mix of defensive toughness and efficient scoring, particularly with Leonard leading the way. The two-time NBA Finals MVP finished the regular season averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting over 50% from the field.
Los Angeles also enters the matchup with a strong track record against Golden State this season, winning three of four meetings. That success has been tied to their ability to control tempo and limit opposing scoring runs.
Kawhi Leonard Leads Los Angeles Clippers Into Play-In Tournament Matchup
GettyLos Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard
Leonardâs form remains a key factor heading into the game. In his 14th NBA season, he posted a career-high scoring average, becoming the first player in league history to achieve that milestone this late into his career.
His performance has helped stabilize the Clippers during a season marked by fluctuating form. The team finished with a winning record despite being significantly below .500 earlier in the year, highlighting their late-season surge.
In terms of availability, the Clippers will be without Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Bradley Beal. Isaiah Jackson was initially listed as questionable but has since been upgraded to probable. The rest of the roster is expected to be available.
The matchup itself presents a contrast in styles. The Warriors rely heavily on Curryâs scoring and perimeter shooting, while the Clippers emphasize defense, efficiency, and versatility across the lineup.
For Los Angeles, execution will be critical. The single-elimination format leaves little margin for error, making lineup decisions and player availability especially important.
With Leonard healthy and the starting unit set, the Clippers enter Wednesdayâs contest aiming to extend their season and move one step closer to the playoffs.
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