NBA starting lineups tonight: Warriors face Mavs, Lakers battle Clippers in rivalry week

Rivalry Week ignites tonight as the Warriors face the Mavericks and the Lakers battle the Clippers in marquee NBA Starting Lineups matchups. Both games feature MVP-caliber talent and playoff implications on January 22nd.

Warriors Look to Halt Mavericks’ Hot Streak

The Golden State Warriors travel to Dallas seeking revenge after a Christmas Day loss. Coach Steve Kerr has shuffled the lineup following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury, bringing back Brandin Podziemski to start alongside Steph Curry. The Warriors will feature Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post in a frontcourt seeking defensive stability.

Jonathan Kuminga’s reintegration after 16 games on the bench provides crucial depth. Kerr stated: “Everything’s a possibility right now. When you have an injury to one of your best players, it just changes everything. The puzzle completely changes.” Buddy Hield added 25 points off the bench in Golden State’s last contest, keeping the Warriors competitive despite their 25-20 record.

Mavericks Riding Three-Game Wave Against Warriors

Dallas enters tonight’s matchup with confidence after consecutive victories. Max Christie exploded for 26 points, including 8 of 10 three-pointers, against New York while Naji Marshall contributed 19 points. The Mavericks face challenges with injuries to D’Angelo Russell (illness) and Daniel Gafford (ankle), yet Cooper Flagg showed no rust with 18 points in his return from a sprained ankle.

Dallas sits 18-26, but their recent offensive efficiency and defensive improvements signal real progress. Coach Jason Kidd praised the pace: “When you talk about the pace that set the tone for us, make or miss basketball, we were playing fast.” Against the Warriors’ porous defense recently, the Mavericks’ three-point prowess could prove decisive.

Starting Five Matchup: Warriors vs Mavericks

Position	Warriors	Mavericks
PG	Steph Curry	Naji Marshall
SG	Brandin Podziemski	Max Christie
SF	Will Richard	Cooper Flagg
PF	Draymond Green	Caleb Love
C	Quinten Post	Dwight Powell

“He came in, had great energy, attacked the rim, made some shots. I thought JK was really good. It’s a great sign with Jimmy out, obviously there’s a hole at that spot on our roster.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

Lakers Seek Revenge Against Resilient Clippers

The Lakers head to Inglewood hunting retribution after the Clippers’ December 20 upset victory sparked their remarkable 13-3 surge. Luka Doncic’s triple-double dominance propelled Los Angeles to a 115-107 win over Denver despite playing without starting guard Austin Reaves (calf, out 13 consecutive games). LeBron James contributed 19 points while Marcus Smart added 15, but center Deandre Ayton’s eye injury briefly sidelined him in the first half.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his star: “Luka, you can’t turn the engine halfway. Once it’s on, he’s in kill mode.” The Lakers lead the season series at 1-0, though that victory marked Doncic’s departure with a leg contusion that altered the game’s trajectory.

Will Kawhi Leonard Return for Clippers Rivalry Battle?

The Clippers face a critical test with Kawhi Leonard listed as questionable due to left knee contusion. Los Angeles lost ground Thursday with a 138-110 home defeat to Chicago after being outscored 45-19 in the second quarter. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed concern: “We were tired. We were slow. We’re already slow, but even slower.” Yet John Collins scored 23 points and the Clippers remain 13-3 since December 20, indicating sustained offensive capability.

Leonard averaged 32.7 points over his last 13 games before missing the road trip, while Collins has been essential with 15.2 scoring average over 13 contests including three games exceeding 22 points in the last eight outings. The Clippers’ defensive turnaround, cutting points allowed from 117.0 to 108.3 since December 20, showcases their evolution into a playoff-caliber squad.

Can the Lakers and Warriors Win on the Road Tonight?

Both visiting teams face hostile environments seeking crucial wins. Golden State’s injury uncertainty combined with Dallas’ newfound confidence creates compelling competitive dynamics. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ road-game excellence must overcome Clippers’ home-court resurgence and Leonard’s potential absence. The 8-game Lakers road stretch demands consistency, while Warriors seek identity post-Butler injury. Tipoff for both contests promises electrifying NBA Starting Lineups showcases during Rivalry Week.

Sources

• NBA.com – Official game previews, injury reports, and statistical tracking for Warriors vs Mavericks and Lakers vs Clippers
• ESPN – Real-time lineup confirmations and coach commentary during pregame interviews
• Sportskeeda – Starting lineup confirmations and depth chart analysis for all four teams