Elite NBA Pick of the Month 2/21 (10:00pm est)

Two familiar Western Conference rivals, the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, will square off Friday night in Sacramento—only this time, both teams come in with a fresh look. As they tip off the second half of the NBA season, each squad is hoping a key trade deadline acquisition sparks a playoff push.

The Warriors and Kings enter the matchup tied for ninth place in the West, and while both have playoff aspirations, only one can gain the upper hand in this crucial battle.

Jimmy Butler’s Presence Elevating Golden State

Since acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, the Warriors have looked rejuvenated. The six-time All-Star has made an immediate impact, helping Golden State to a 3-1 record—all on the road—while averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.

Even veteran leader Draymond Green has been vocal about Butler’s influence, going so far as to suggest that another championship banner could be in Golden State’s future. While that remains to be seen, Butler’s ability to get to the free-throw line has already been a game-changer. The Warriors, who averaged just 20.4 free throws per game before his arrival, have seen that number spike to 27.5 attempts per game in their last four contests, with Butler himself going 34-for-40 at the charity stripe.

Zach LaVine Finding His Groove in Sacramento

Meanwhile, the Kings have been integrating their own trade deadline addition—Zach LaVine, who arrived from the Chicago Bulls in a move designed to bolster Sacramento’s offense. After a slow start, LaVine has started to find his rhythm, averaging 23.5 points and 6.5 assists in the Kings’ last four games, three of which ended in victories.

His most impressive performance came in Sacramento’s final game before the All-Star break, when he put up 32 points and 10 assists in a 140-133 overtime loss to New Orleans. That marked just his second double-double of the season, but it showcased what he can bring to a Kings offense that has recently found its stride. Sacramento has averaged 126.0 points per game over its last four outings after struggling to reach 116 in six consecutive games before LaVine’s arrival.

Kings Looking to Continue Their Dominance Over Warriors

Sacramento got the better of Golden State in their two previous meetings this season, securing dominant wins in January—129-99 in San Francisco and 123-117 at home. However, the Kings will be missing two key contributors from those victories.

Kevin Huerter, who dropped 16 points off the bench in Sacramento’s road win, was sent to Chicago in the LaVine deal. Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox, who scored 14 in the home victory, was dealt to San Antonio in a three-team blockbuster trade.

Elite NBA Pick of the Month Tonight 2/21

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