New Blood Infuses New Energy: Kerr

Warriors and Kings pleased with impetus from new arrivals Butler and LaVine respectively

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SACRAMENTO - Two familiar rivals who have yet to experience the other's new look will go head-to-head on Feb 21 (Feb 22, Singapore time) when the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings open the National Basketball Association's (NBA) second half.

The teams (both 28-27) will take the court at the Kings' Golden 1 Centre tied for ninth place in the Western Conference, each hoping a key addition at the trade deadline ignites a surge up the standings.

The Warriors have gone 3-1 - all on the road - since adding Jimmy Butler via a trade with the Miami Heat. Butler, who had not played since Jan 21 before joining Golden State, has averaged 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in his four games.

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green has been so impressed with the six-time All-Star that he proclaimed that the team need to make room for another banner in the Chase Centre rafters.

"He's brought back that belief. I think we're gonna win the championship," he boasted on national television over the All-Star break.

The volatile veteran then quickly corrected himself, adding: "I'm sorry, I said I think we're gonna win the championship. I lied. We are going to win the championship."