SAN FRANCISCO — The effort has officially begun.

With Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford set to play together for the first time this Friday against the Kings, the Warriors are looking to shift from the bottom of the Western Conference standings to playoff contention.

The question is: can this veteran trio find their rhythm quickly enough to navigate a couple of victories against the defending champion Thunder during their upcoming home games?

This is what Coach Steve Kerr and his team hope to figure out in these final two regular-season games, which might not hold much weight in the grand scheme. Meanwhile, third-year guard Brandin Podzemski was asked about his confidence in this aging roster that’s been hit hard by injuries.

“Well, we have Steph,” he said.

And there’s more to that hope.

“We have hope,” Kerr remarked.

This hope springs from the belief that Thursday’s 119-103 defeat against the Lakers might be the last game without Curry, Porzingis, and Horford on the court together. The three of them have played only 28 out of a possible 87 games since the trade deadline, and they didn’t take the floor together until Friday night in Sacramento.

There are still hurdles on the road to the postseason, requiring two away victories along with four flights just to secure another home game. Yet, the absence of back-to-back games offers a sliver of optimism; perhaps the veteran group could regain some much-needed health.

“It’s been a tough stretch these past several weeks,” Kerr said. “But here we are, with a shot at the playoffs and some players returning to good health, hopefully leading to a few games where we can find our rhythm and have some solid performances.”

Podzemski approaches all 82 points.

One silver lining during this injury-riddled season has been Podzemski’s adaptability. As he entered Friday’s game, he was among just 18 players in the NBA who had not missed a game this season.

If things go well, Podzemski will manage to play in all 82 games this year, following in the footsteps of previous teammates Kevon Looney and Buddy Hield.

“Watching their habits and getting back into my flow after last year’s injury has really helped,” Podzemski commented. “I take it personally, in a sense, but I genuinely love the game and enjoy being out there.”

In Curry’s absence, the 23-year-old guard has taken on significant scoring and playmaking duties. Even with some ups and downs, the experience could prove invaluable.

“I think it was interesting for me to take on different roles this year, facing various situations, and seeing how I handled them,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot that I believe will help me moving forward.”

Horford comes out of his shell.

Podzemski also highlighted the playoff experience of Porzingis and Horford—plus the four championships Curry brings—as contributing factors to his confidence. Both big men were essential parts of Boston’s title campaign in 2024, and Kerr noted that Horford has been stepping up as a locker room leader since February.

“He’s someone everyone looks up to,” Kerr explained. “He’s not overly talkative but knows when to say something impactful.”

Bassey isn’t just big.

If things proceed as planned, Horford and Porzingis won’t occupy much frontcourt space, which likely means less playing time for Charles Bassey in the immediate future.

However, the Warriors may have found a dependable center for next season in the 25-year-old, who has tallied a double-double in each of his two outings since joining from Santa Cruz’s G League affiliate.

“When we brought him in, we told him he’d have time to adjust,” Kerr said. “He’s done a fantastic job being active and showing impressive scoring ability in the paint.”

Moody improves mood

While Moses Moody won’t see the court again until next season, his recent presence has lifted spirits. This week, he returned after undergoing season-ending surgery on his patellar tendon.

Moody, who was on crutches, received a warm reception from fans at the Chase Center during Tuesday’s victory over the Kings and joined in the Warriors’ pre-game huddle on Thursday.

“It was great to see Moses again,” Kerr said. “Everyone was looking forward to his return.”