Pacific Division rivals meet in the heat of the Western Conference play-in race, as the Golden State Warriors host the Los Angeles Clippers Monday night at Chase Center.
The Clippers (28–31, 9th West) are playing the second night of a back-to-back, coming off a 20-point win over the Pelicans on Sunday that snapped a three-game skid. The Warriors (31–29, 8th West) have dropped three of their last five, capped by Saturday’s 28-point walloping from the Lakers.
The teams have split their first two meetings this season: The Warriors rolled to a 98–79 win in the Bay last October before the Clippers settled the score with a 103–102 triumph in Inglewood.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Los Angeles Clippers
- Out: John Collins (Neck), Bradley Beal (Hip)
Golden State Warriors
- Out: Stephen Curry (Knee), Jimmy Butler (ACL), Kristaps Porzingis (Illness), Will Richard (Ankle), Seth Curry (Sciatic Nerve)
- Questionable: Gary Payton II (Ankle)
Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. LA enters as a slight -115 road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Golden State sits at -105 on the moneyline. The game’s total is set at 215.5 points.
Clippers vs. Warriors Preview
Los Angeles Clippers Preview
Not even Disney Imagineering could design a roller coaster like the 2025–26 Clippers. After a truly miserable start to the season, LA suddenly flipped a switch and became one of the best teams in the league. It posted the NBA’s best record (17–5) and most formidable offense from late December through the end of January.
Then, out of the blue, something funny happened: They shipped off James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline.
The Clippers have posted a middling 5–5 record since moving the former MVP and standout center. However, Monday’s contest is expected to feature the team debut of Harden’s replacement: Darius Garland. The two-time All-Star averaged 18 points and 6.9 assists per game in 26 games with the Cavs this season.
Garland’s return should replenish an attack driven by two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard, who’s averaging a career-high 27.9 points, along with 6.3 rebounds, in his age-34 season.
Golden State Warriors Preview
The Warriors have taken their lumps this season, signalling what may be the symbolic end of a historic dynasty. Already struggling in a competitive Western Conference, the Dubs lost Jimmy Butler to an ACL tear in mid-January — and Stephen Curry hit the sidelines not long after. The two-time MVP will miss at least five more games to nurse a lingering knee issue.
Golden State took another big swing at the deadline to capitalize on Curry’s fleeting championship window, sending Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta for Kristaps Porzingis. There’s just one problem: he’s played only 17 minutes in a Warriors uniform, sidelined the last four games because of an illness.
The Warriors have gone 2–2 during that stretch, which may seem decent — until realizing that one of those losses came against the lowly Pelicans.
While seemingly still play-in bound, the team is in bad, bad shape. They’ll be leaning on the likes of De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski to stem the tide.
Clippers vs. Warriors Pick, Best Bet
No matter how turbulent their season has been, the Clippers enter Monday’s contest in far better shape than the sputtering Warriors — even on the second night of a back-to-back.
Darius Garland should revive LA’s backcourt, allowing Kawhi Leonard to continue his torrid production against Golden State’s depleted roster.
Expect the Clippers to take care of business in the Bay.
