Warriors vs. Clippers: Injury Crisis, Playoff Push & Tonight’s High-Stakes Showdown
The Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers are set to renew their Pacific Division rivalry tonight in a game with major implications for the Western Conference playoff picture. While the Warriors dominated their last meeting, a tidal wave of injuries has reshaped both teams, turning this into a battle of survival. With Stephen Curry’s status casting a long shadow and both teams fighting to stay afloat in a brutal conference, tonight’s clash is about more than just one win.
The last time these teams met, on October 28, 2025, the Warriors delivered a statement, blowing out the Clippers 98-79. But that was a different season. As of January 5, 2026, the Warriors are clinging to the 8th seed at 19-17, while the Clippers are far out of the picture at 12-22. Tonight’s game, part of a Peacock triple-header tipping off at 10 PM ET, will test the depth and resilience of two franchises at a crossroads.
The State of the West: A Brutal Landscape
The Western Conference is a gauntlet this season. The Warriors’ 19-17 record, which would be comfortable in the East, has them barely holding onto a Play-In Tournament spot. The Clippers’ struggles have been even more pronounced, putting them near the bottom of the standings. Here’s a snapshot of the top of the West as of today:
| Rank | Team | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 30-5 | .857 |
| 2 | San Antonio Spurs | — | — |
| 3 | Los Angeles Lakers | — | — |
| 4 | Denver Nuggets | — | — |
| … | … | … | … |
| 8 | Golden State Warriors | 19-17 | .528 |
Injury Report: The Elephant in the Room
The biggest story heading into this game is the health of Stephen Curry. The Warriors’ franchise cornerstone is currently listed as OUT due to left sciatic nerve irritation. An MRI revealed the issue in his lower back/pelvis, and he is set for re-evaluation in two weeks. While he has begun individual on-court workouts, his absence leaves a massive scoring and leadership void.
Key Player Status for Tonight
| Team | Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | Stephen Curry | Out | Left Sciatic Nerve Irritation |
| Seth Curry | Out | Sciatic Nerve Issue | |
| Warriors | Al Horford | Probable | — |
| Warriors | Trayce Jackson-Davis | Probable | — |
| Warriors | Jimmy Butler III | Questionable | — |
For the Clippers, the health of stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will be critical. Both players struggled in the October loss, combining for missed shots in the provided play-by-play. Their ability to exploit a Curry-less Warriors defense will be the key to LA’s offensive game plan.
Breaking Down the Last Matchup: Warriors 98, Clippers 79
The October 28th game was a defensive masterclass by Golden State. They held the Clippers to just 79 points, with LA’s stars going cold. Key sequences from the game highlight the Warriors’ defensive pressure and ability to generate offense from their supporting cast with players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski making key plays.
“Jimmy Butler III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brandin Podziemski assists).” – A key sequence showing the Warriors’ ball movement and secondary scoring stepping up in Curry’s absence even earlier in the season.
Without Curry tonight, the Warriors will need a repeat of that collective effort. Players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Draymond Green must elevate their playmaking and scoring to compensate.
What to Watch For Tonight
With the injury reports shaping the rosters, here are the critical matchups and storylines for the January 5th game:
- Warriors’ Offensive Engine: Who initiates the offense? Look for Draymond Green and Chris Paul to shoulder massive playmaking duties, with increased scoring loads for Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.
- Clippers’ Star Power: Can Kawhi Leonard and James Harden take over against a compromised opponent? This is a prime opportunity for them to assert themselves and carry their team to a much-needed road win.
- The Jimmy Butler Factor: If Butler III is able to play, his two-way intensity could be the X-factor for Golden State, providing crucial scoring and defensive stops.
- Bench Production: Both teams will rely heavily on their second units. The battle between the Warriors’ depth and the Clippers’ reserves could decide a likely close game.
How to Watch Warriors vs. Clippers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET |
| TV/Streaming | Peacock (Part of a triple-header) |
| Location | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
Tonight’s game is a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons. For the Warriors, it’s about surviving a stretch without their MVP and protecting their home court to stay in the playoff hunt. For the Clippers, it’s a chance to play spoiler and build momentum in a disappointing season. The final score will hinge on which team’s role players rise to the occasion under the bright lights.
Common Questions
Is Stephen Curry playing against the Clippers on January 5th?
No. Stephen Curry has been ruled OUT for the game due to left sciatic nerve irritation. He is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
What was the score the last time the Warriors played the Clippers?
The Golden State Warriors defeated the LA Clippers 98-79 in their previous matchup on October 28, 2025.
Where can I watch the Warriors vs. Clippers game tonight?
The game will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock as the nightcap of a triple-header, starting at 10:00 PM Eastern Time / 7:00 PM Pacific Time.
What are the current Western Conference standings?
As of January 5, 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the West. The Golden State Warriors are around the 8th seed with a 19-17 record, while the LA Clippers are near the bottom at 12-22.