Curry's Minutes Are Getting Capped in Warriors' Do-or-Die Clippers Showdown

The Golden State Warriors are limping into Wednesday's play-in game against the Clippers in Los Angeles, and they're not even going to have their best player on the court for a full 40 minutes. Steve Kerr dropped the news Sunday that Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford will all play fewer than 40 minutes in what amounts to a must-win situation. Lose this one, and a season the Warriors probably want to forget is over.

The Injury Bug Has Been Relentless

This Warriors team has been beat up all year. Curry has been battling knee injuries basically the entire season, and then there's the injury to Jimmy Butler's ACL back in early January that completely derailed any momentum they had. On top of that, Horford's nursing a calf issue, while both Draymond Green and Porzingis have been dealing with sore backs. It's the kind of injury report that makes you wince.

The Warriors have been trying to manage their aging superstars' minutes all season long, and that approach isn't changing just because the stakes are highest. They clinched the last of four play-in spots at 37-45, which tells you everything you need to know about where this team stands.

Kerr's Bigger Argument About the NBA Schedule

Coach Steve Kerr has been vocal about something bigger here: the league needs to shorten the regular season. Back in March, he made his case directly. "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," Kerr said. "We need to take 10 games off the schedule. I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games."

It's hard to argue with him when you look at his roster right now.

The Clippers Come in Ready

Los Angeles beat Golden State 115-110 in the regular-season finale on Sunday, and Kawhi Leonard has been getting rest down the stretch to prepare for the play-in. Leonard had a career year with the Clippers, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, and he actually stayed mostly healthy this season. He suited up for 68 games, his second-most as a Clipper, a big jump from the 37 games he played two seasons ago when injuries held him back.

Wednesday night is do-or-die for the Warriors. Everything comes down to this.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.