It’s do-or-die for the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors. Let’s see how much fight they got.

Catch the game tomorrow, Wednesday, 10:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Golden State Warriors (37-45)

Projected starting five:

  • Stephen Curry
  • Brandin Podziemski
  • Gui Santos
  • Draymond Green
  • Kristaps Porzingis

The Warriors enter the Play-in Tournament losing seven of its last eight to close the regular season. That late skid raises serious concerns about form and consistency, especially against a team that already had their number. The Warriors went just 1-3 against the Clippers this season, struggling to contain them on both ends.

The return of Stephen Curry offers a much-needed boost. He played in four of the team’s final five games after missing 39 overall, but durability remains a looming question. Alongside him, Jimmy Butler was expected to be a co-star, but injuries limited him to roughly half a season before ultimately shutting him down. Kristaps Porzingis provides size and scoring as a third option, though his own injury history makes him an uncertain factor in a do-or-die setting.

That leaves a lot of pressure on a younger supporting cast. Brandin Podziemski has shown flashes and could swing the game if he gets hot, but he remains unpredictable. For the Warriors, it’s a mix of star power, fragility, and untapped youth, a combination that makes them dangerous, but far from reliable.

HOME: LA Clippers (42-40 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Darius Garland
  • Kris Dunn
  • Derrick Jones Jr.
  • Kawhi Leonard
  • Brook Lopez

The Clippers may not have finished the season on a tear, going 3-4 in their last seven, but their larger body of work tells a more impressive story. After a brutal 6-21 start, head coach Tyronn Lue challenged his team to go 35-20 the rest of the way just to reach the play-in, and they delivered exactly that. That turnaround alone gives this group a strong sense of belief.

They’ve also handled the Warriors well this season, winning three of four matchups. That familiarity, combined with home-court advantage, gives Los Angeles a clear edge. Kawhi Leonard, despite nearing 35 and carrying a long injury history, looks rejuvenated and fully engaged, leading by example on both ends.

What’s made this team more dynamic, however, is the infusion of young talent. Darius Garland and Ben Mathurin have thrived in expanded roles, adding scoring, pace, and energy to complement the veteran core (Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins, and Kris Dunn, among others). With a more complete lineup and the crowd behind them, the Clippers are in prime position – now it’s about avoiding a collapse with everything on the line.

PICKS

Spread: Clippers (-5.5)

Over/Under: Over (221.5)