Curry has played only four games since returning from a knee injury, and questions linger about how his chemistry with Kristaps Porzingis will develop. Porzingis has shown flashes, but his health and fit alongside Curry and Draymond Green remain uncertain, giving the Warriors uneven on-court data as they prepare for a tougher test than anticipated.
The Play-In tilt against the Clippers comes with several personnel caveats for Golden State. The Warriors will be without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post for the game, while Los Angeles enters healthier. Still, Curry’s presence is viewed as a potential equalizer, even if how impactful he can be after his return is not yet clear.
Analysts’ predictions reflect the uphill path: of 13 ESPN insiders surveyed, only two project Golden State to advance past the Play-In, with the vast majority favoring the Clippers to move on. The uncertainty around Curry’s conditioning and the evolving fit with Porzingis contribute to a cautious outlook for the Warriors.
Beyond the Play-In specifics, there is debate within the organization about the broader strategy for 2025-26. Some observers suggest that sacrificing the Play-In run could preserve lottery odds and position Golden State for a stronger rebuild push, given Curry’s likely remaining years and the uncertain near-term trajectory.
In any case, the Warriors will still attempt to extend their season, with the Play-In game scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific Time and broadcast on Prime Video. The result could determine whether Golden State exits the year with a postseason glimpse or pivots toward evaluating next season and the ongoing evolution of their core.
