Clippers vs Warriors: High-Stakes Western Conference Play-In Clash Set for March 2
A crucial NBA matchup is scheduled for March 2, 2026, as the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. This game holds significant importance for both teams, who are actively competing in the tightly contested Western Conference play-in race. The Warriors currently hold an eighth-place position with a record of 31-29, while the Clippers are positioned at 28-31 and are striving to improve their standing as the season progresses.
Injury Reports and Player Availability
Both sides are navigating through injury challenges that could heavily influence the outcome of this encounter. For the Golden State Warriors, star player Stephen Curry is sidelined with a knee injury and is not anticipated to return before March 13. Additionally, Kristaps Porziņģis will miss his fifth consecutive game due to illness, and Will Richard is out with an ankle injury. Gary Payton II is listed as questionable, dealing with an ankle impingement.
On the Los Angeles Clippers' side, John Collins is questionable due to an arm issue, and Kris Dunn is also questionable because of a head problem. However, no other players are ruled out, meaning most of the rotation should be available for the Clippers, providing them with a potential depth advantage.
Team Rosters and Key Players
With Curry absent, the Warriors are expected to rely on Brandin Podziemski to handle increased ball-handling responsibilities. The guard rotation includes De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Seth Curry, L.J. Cryer, and Gary Payton II. The forward group features Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Gui Santos, while the center position is manned by Al Horford and Quinten Post, though Porziņģis remains unavailable.
For the Clippers, the guard rotation will feature Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic, with Kawhi Leonard leading the wings supported by Nicolas Batum and Derrick Jones. In the frontcourt, Brook Lopez provides size, and John Collins adds versatility after joining from Utah, with Yanic Konan Niederhauser available as a backup option.
Head-to-Head Record and Team Statistics
Historically, the Clippers have dominated recent matchups, winning eight of the last ten games over the past three seasons. However, the Warriors secured a victory earlier in the 2025 season, indicating potential for competitiveness.
Statistically, the Warriors excel in rebounding and assists, ranking third in the league in both categories with 42.9 rebounds per game and 29.3 assists per game. Their scoring has declined without Curry, averaging 115.6 points per game. In contrast, the Clippers shoot a higher field goal percentage at 48.2% compared to the Warriors' 46.2%, but they have struggled with consistency, particularly in away games.
Game Outlook and Predictions
Golden State will depend on Podziemski, Green, and Butler to carry the offensive load, as the team has posted a 4-6 record in their last ten games. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will be pivotal; if they perform well, they could exploit the Warriors' current vulnerabilities. The interior battle between centers like Zubac and Lopez against the Warriors' big men could be a deciding factor in this high-stakes contest.
