The 2025-26 NBA season has been a forgettable one for the Golden State Warriors, as injuries to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, as well as a tumultuous ending to the Jonathan Kuminga saga, have all clouded what was expected to be a hopeful season for the Bay Area franchise.
Still, the Warriors have a chance to extend their 2025-26 campaign, as they face off against the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
With the injuries Golden State is facing, and the overall poor form the team has been in over the past few months, even just beating the Clippers for the potential to play for a spot in the postseason remains an uphill battle, one they are not predicted to win.
Warriors Get Bad News On Play-In Tournament Game Vs Clippers
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers
According to a recent ESPN prediction article, the Warriors are not expected to beat the Clippers in their Wednesday night Play-In Tournament game.
Of the 13 ESPN insiders who predicted the outcome of the matchup, all but two picked Los Angeles to advance in the Play-In.
Golden State certainly has a chance to end the night victorious, but there are several factors that could lead to its downfall, and the season potentially ending very soon.
For one, Curry has only played in four games since missing two months with a knee injury, and his chemistry with the new addition, Kristaps Porzingis, remains a looming question mark over the team. While Porzingis has shown some promise with the Warriors, it remains to be seen how he fits with Curry and Draymond Green.
“He brings a tantalizing skill set this team lacks — a 7-footer who stretches the floor and protects the rim — but his questionable health and availability make him a risk. They have next to zero data with him next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green,” Anthony Slater wrote.
Golden State is also without Butler, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post for the game, while the Clippers have a healthier lineup heading into the Play-In Tournament. Still, having Curry on the Warriors’ side is perhaps the biggest notch in their favor, but it remains to be seen how impactful the 38-year-old can be shortly after his return from injury.
“Let’s set this straight — there is one way for the Warriors to move past the first round that doesn’t involve science fiction. That way requires Curry to be the best he can be,” ESPN analyst Dean Oliver wrote.
Is It Better For The Warriors To lose The Play-In?
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 25: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks to the media during a press conference after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While it remains a tough task for the Warriors to beat the Clippers in the Play-In, the question remains of whether doing everything they can just to become the eighth seed in the Western Conference is the right move for Golden State.
Yes, head coach Steve Kerr has said he feels confident the team can make waves in the postseason with a healthy Curry, but against the Oklahoma City Thunder, that’s a big ask. The Warriors would have to win two games in the Play-In just to match up against the defending champions, and winning just one game in a series against OKC feels unlikely at this point.
Additionally, Golden State might be better suited to punt on this season and look towards the NBA draft lottery and next year. As Slater said on NBA Today, much like the 2024-25 Dallas Mavericks, building for the future rather than going all in on what is already a disappointing season might not be the best move.
“But I think it is fair to wonder organizationally whether it’s better for them to lose,” Slater said. “If the Warriors lose, they keep their lottery odds — 9.4 percent chance to jump into the top four [picks] this draft.”
It’s a tough road ahead for the Warriors, as they’ll need to win two games just to become the eighth seed in the West. It’s already been a substandard season, though some factors were out of the team’s control, but still, going all out in the Play-In, despite having Curry, might not be the best move.
Golden State will likely do what they can to beat the Clippers, but a loss isn’t as bad for them compared to a team like the Orlando Magic, who put all their chips in the 2025-26 season basket. The Warriors might not have a lot more years left with Curry, but at this point, punting on this season and preparing for next might be in the team’s best interest.
Warrior vs Clippers NBA Play-In Tournament game tips off at 7 pm PST on Amazon Prime Video.
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