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Clippers vs Warriors 2025 Preseason Game 1 Preview
The Clippers take on the Warriors in their first game of the 2025 preseason in tropical Hawaii.
Game Information
Where: Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
When: 4:00 PM PT
How to Watch: NBA TV, KTLA
Projected Starting Lineups
Warriors: Steph Curry – Brandin Podziemski – Jonathan Kuminga – Draymond Green – Trayce Jackson-Davis
Clippers: James Harden – Norm Powell – Terance Mann – Derrick Jones Jr. – Ivica Zubac
Injuries
Warriors: Andrew Wiggins Out (Illness)
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard Out (Knee), Mo Bamba Doubtful (Knee), Trentyn Flowers Out (Wrist)
Notes
Who Starts: This is the biggest question for the Clippers entering preseason – and the regular season. With Kawhi out, only two starters are locked in: James Harden at point and Ivica Zubac in the middle. I’d be fairly surprised if Derrick Jones Jr. wasn’t another starter. That leaves two spots, with the likely candidates being Terance Mann, Norm Powell, and Nic Batum. Batum is the logical replacement for Kawhi, but the Clippers want to keep his minutes low and probably maintain his rotation spot to the second unit. They could start both Norm and Terance, but that would make them very, very small. There are other candidates to start, such as Kris Dunn, Kevin Porter Jr., and Kobe Brown, so it is anyone’s guess as to who Ty Lue rolls out tonight.
The Bench Rotation: The players of that group who don’t start will probably figure into the Clippers’ second unit, but again, Lue has many options. Does Bones Hyland get any run alongside Dunn, who can make up for his defensive weaknesses? Is Amir Coffey the backup small forward/power forward, or does one of Jordan Miller or Kobe Brown grab that spot. Does Ty roll with a small-ball second unit, or does Kai Jones get the nod with Mo Bamba likely out? The game outcome doesn’t matter, but who gets the call earlier in the game during more legitimate playing situations is a good indication of what the Clippers’ coaching staff is thinking early in the preseason.
The Young Guys: While preseason is an opportunity for veterans to play their way into shape and for the coaching staff to implement plays and principles, its also a great opportunity for youngsters to show they can pass veterans and make an impact. The Clippers young guys – Kobe Brown, Jordan Miller, and Cam Christie (Flowers is out) – should all get real minutes in preseason. I’d like to see Kobe shoot the ball well and be able to stay in front of opposing players on defense. For Jordan, I’d love continued aggression driving to the rim and the ability to force turnovers. Cam might play the least of the three, but hopefully just looks like he belongs on the court with real NBA players.
The Training Camp Players: The Clippers have four players on their training camp roster who are not under contract with them for this season – Kai Jones, RayJ Dennis, Nate Darling, and Alondes Williams. The player that is the most likely to get real minutes is by far Jones, as he will presumably be the backup center with Mo Bamba out. The Clippers’ lack of depth at center is also why Jones is the favorite of these guys to get the Clippers’ final two-way spot. Still, even if these players only get a few minutes in the second half, it’s a chance to show off for the Clippers, other NBA teams, and even international squads. Usually nothing happens with such players, but every once in a while one pops, so it’s always fun to keep tabs on them.
Clippers vs Warriors 2025 Preseason Game 1 Preview
Robert Flom