Stephen Curry is set to have his playing time managed in the Golden State Warriors’ crucial play-in match against the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed on Sunday that Curry, alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, will have their minutes capped at under 40 in the must-win fixture.
The game is a rematch of Sunday’s regular-season finale, which the Clippers won 115-110.
Warriors Battling Injury Concerns
The Warriors are facing injury concerns with several key players, impacting their play-in preparations.
Curry has been dealing with knee issues for most of the season. Horford is managing a calf injury, while Draymond Green and Porzingis are nursing sore backs.
The Warriors clinched the last of four play-in berths at 37-45. If the Warriors lose, their season ends.
Kerr Calls for Shorter Season
Kerr has consistently advocated for a reduced regular-season schedule to mitigate injuries.
“I know this will not be a popular opinion in the league office, but I will continue to say it because it’s obvious we need to play fewer games — we need to take 10 games off the schedule,” he said in March.
“I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games.”
Clippers’ Leonard Ready After Rest
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard rested for the final games of the season in preparation for the play-in.
Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists during a mostly healthy season in which he played his second-most games as a Clipper.
He played 68 games two seasons ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 because of injuries.
The Warriors have attempted to manage the minutes of their aging superstars all season, and the play-in game is no different.