Inglewood, California – The Los Angeles Clippers are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup with playoff implications. The game, scheduled for 10 p.m. EST, pits a Clippers team battling for playoff positioning against a Timberwolves squad firmly established in the top tier of the conference. Betting lines are available from various sportsbooks, including PokerStars Sports, as fans anticipate a competitive contest between these two Western Conference teams.
The Clippers, currently 27-30, hold the 10th seed in the Western Conference, while the Timberwolves boast a 36-23 record, placing them fifth. This game represents a crucial opportunity for the Clippers to gain ground in the crowded playoff race and potentially climb higher in the standings. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will aim to solidify their position and maintain their momentum as the regular season progresses. According to data from February 25, 2026, the Clippers have a 17-17 record against Western Conference opponents, while the Timberwolves are 21-17 against the same competition.
Clippers’ Defensive Strength and Timberwolves’ Rebounding Prowess
A key aspect of this matchup lies in the contrasting strengths of each team. The Clippers are known for their strong defensive capabilities, allowing only 112.6 points per game, while holding opponents to 46.7% shooting. This places them ninth in the NBA in points allowed. Conversely, the Timberwolves excel in rebounding, ranking ninth in the league with 44.8 rebounds per game. Rudy Gobert leads the Timberwolves in rebounding, averaging 11.4 per game. This rebounding advantage could prove critical in controlling possession and creating second-chance opportunities.
The teams recently met on February 8, 2026, with the Clippers emerging victorious with a 115-96 win. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers in that contest, scoring an impressive 41 points. The Associated Press reported on the game, highlighting Leonard’s performance as a key factor in the Clippers’ victory. Game summary.
Statistical Matchups and Recent Form
Statistically, the Clippers are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, slightly higher than the 46.3% the Timberwolves allow to their opponents. However, the Timberwolves are proficient from beyond the arc, averaging 14.3 made three-pointers per game, 0.8 more than the Clippers allow. This three-point shooting ability could be a significant factor in Thursday’s game.
Looking at recent form, the Clippers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 109.6 points, 42.0 rebounds, and 23.1 assists per game. Their opponents have averaged 110.6 points during that stretch. The Timberwolves, have a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, with averages of 122.3 points, 43.7 rebounds, and 25.5 assists. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points. ABC7 News provides further details on the teams’ recent performances.
Injury Report and Key Players
The Clippers will be without Bradley Beal for the remainder of the season due to a hip injury. John Collins is listed as day-to-day with a head injury, and Darius Garland is out with a toe injury. The Timberwolves currently have no injuries listed. Key players to watch include Kawhi Leonard for the Clippers, who is averaging 28.0 points per game, and Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves, who is averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Brook Lopez is averaging 1.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for the Clippers, while Julius Randle is averaging 20.7 points over the same period for the Timberwolves.
The teams’ third and final regular season matchup is anticipated to be a closely contested affair, with both sides possessing the talent and motivation to secure a victory. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective playoff aspirations.
As the NBA season progresses, the battle for playoff positioning intensifies. The result of this game will undoubtedly be closely analyzed by fans and analysts alike. The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams will be their subsequent games scheduled for the weekend, as they continue their pursuit of postseason success.
What are your predictions for the Clippers-Timberwolves game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
