{"id":707613,"date":"2026-04-10T19:12:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/707613\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T19:12:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:12:33","slug":"warriors-playoff-push-begins-in-earnest-tonight-against-kings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/707613\/","title":{"rendered":"Warriors\u2019 playoff push begins in earnest tonight against Kings"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"An<\/p>\n

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Kristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket while being defended by a Houston Rockets player, Image 2 shows Stephen Curry shooting a three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings, Image 3 shows Al Horford shooting a three-point shot<\/p>\n

SAN FRANCISCO \u2014 The push is officially on.<\/p>\n

With Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford set to share the floor for the first time Friday against the Kings, the Warriors begin an abbreviated dress rehearsal for what they hope can turn into an improbable playoff run from the bottom position in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n

Can the veteran trio jell quickly and smoothly enough to carry Golden State through two win-or-go-home games on the road<\/a> for a crack against the defending champion Thunder?<\/p>\n

That is what coach Steve Kerr and Co. will try to decipher in two final regular season games that don\u2019t otherwise carry much weight. In the meantime, third-year guard Brandin Podziemski was asked what gave him confidence in an aging roster that has been decimated by injuries<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, we got Steph,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"Steph<\/p>\n

Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford set to share the floor for the first time Friday. Getty Images<\/p>\n

And with Curry comes something else.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got some hope,\u201d Kerr said.<\/p>\n

That hope is rooted in the belief that Thursday\u2019s 119-103 loss to the Lakers<\/a> will be the last time they play without Curry, Porzingis or Horford. The trio played only 28 of a possible 87 games since the trade deadline \u2014 none all together until Friday night in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

A postseason path that would require two road wins and four flights just to earn another home game presents other complications, but the lack of back-to-backs does provide some optimism for the availability of the veteran trio all managing their health in one way or another.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, we\u2019ve been through the ringer here over the last six, eight weeks,\u201d Kerr said. \u201cBut we\u2019re in a position where we have a chance to get into the playoffs, have some guys getting healthy (and) have a chance to hopefully \u2026 get a couple games to develop a rhythm and get a good swing at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Podziemski closes in on all 82<\/p>\n

In a season defined by injuries, Podziemski\u2019s best quality has been his availability. Entering Friday, he was one of 18 players around the NBA who hadn\u2019t missed a game this season.<\/p>\n

Barring the expected, Podziemski will play all 82 games this season, following in the footsteps of former teammates Kevon Looney and Buddy Hield, who did so the past two seasons.<\/p>\n

\"Can<\/p>\n

Can the veteran trio jell quickly and smoothly enough to carry Golden State through two win-or-go-home games on the road for a crack against the defending champion Thunder? NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cJust to see the habits they had and then just really finding a flow for me after my injuries last year has really helped me,\u201d Podziemski said. \u201cWhoever\u2019s out there will always know I\u2019m out there with them. I take it personal in a way, but I just love hoops and enjoy being out there playing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without Curry, the 23-year-old combo guard has shouldered scoring and playmaking responsibilities. It has been an up-and-down for Podziemski but should be valuable experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s been cool for me, having different roles throughout the year, being put in different situations, getting different opportunities, just seeing where I stack up,\u201d he said. \u201cA lot of learning lessons for me, as well. I think it\u2019s gonna better me for my future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horford comes out of his shell<\/p>\n

Podziemski pointed to the playoff pedigree of Porzingis and Horford, in addition to the four titles won with Curry, as another reason for confidence. Both big men were a part of the Celtics\u2019 2024 title team, and Kerr said Horford started to emerge as a leader in the locker room in February.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s somebody all the players look up to,\u201d Kerr said. \u201cHe\u2019s one of those guys that only speaks occasionally and just has a sense for saying the right thing at the right time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"That<\/p>\n

That is what coach Steve Kerr and Co. will try to decipher in two final regular season games that don\u2019t otherwise carry much weight. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Bassey more than just a big body<\/p>\n

If all goes according to plan, Horford and Porzingis won\u2019t leave many front court minutes unaccounted for, meaning Charles Bassey shouldn\u2019t see the floor much going forward.<\/p>\n

But the Warriors may have found a center they can count on next season in the 25-year-old former five-star recruit. In two games as the Warriors\u2019 lone big man since coming up from their G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, Bassey has recorded double-doubles each time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe told him we had plenty of minutes for him when we signed him,\u201d Kerr said. \u201cHe\u2019s doing a great job. Very active on the glass and a nice scoring touch in the paint.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moody improves the mood<\/p>\n

The Warriors won\u2019t get Moses Moody back on the court until next season, but the fifth-year wing\u2019s presence has provided a recent morale boost. Moody was back with the team this week for the first time since season-ending surgery to repair his patellar tendon.<\/p>\n

Standing on crutches, Moody got a warm welcome from the crowd inside Chase Center during Tuesday\u2019s win over the Kings and took part in the Warriors\u2019 pregame huddle on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really fun to see Moses,\u201d Kerr said. \u201cAll the guys were excited to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n

California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a>
California Post Sports Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, X<\/a>
California Post Opinion<\/a>
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!<\/a>
California Post App: Download here!<\/a>
Home delivery: Sign up here!<\/a>Page Six Hollywood: <\/a>Sign up here!<\/a><\/p>\n