Clippers and Warriors Clash in Preseason Finale, Key Players Sidelined

As the 2025-26 NBA regular season approaches, the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors are set to meet for their final preseason matchup on October 17, 2025, at Chase Center. However, both teams will be entering the contest short-handed.

The Golden State Warriors will be without their marquee midseason acquisition from last year, Jimmy Butler, who suffered an ankle injury during practice earlier this week. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but Butler has been listed as doubtful for the matchup. The Warriors expect him to be ready for their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers will also be missing some of their top talent, as head coach Tyronn Lue has confirmed that Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will not play, purely as a rest precaution before the regular season. Both stars have performed well in preseason action, but Lue is focused on preserving their fitness and avoiding unnecessary risk.

With several key players sidelined, the spotlight will shift to the supporting casts of both teams. Golden State will rely on younger players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and rookie Alex Toohey, while the Clippers will turn to Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Terance Mann to anchor their rotation.

Coaches Steve Kerr and Tyronn Lue have both emphasized that this game is more about rhythm and readiness than rivalry, as they prioritize player health and rotation balance over final scores. The real victory for both teams will be emerging from this game healthy and prepared for the start of the 2025-26 regular season.