Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings
Records: Raptors (1-6), Kings (4-4)
Where to Watch
Date: Friday, Jan. 8, 2021
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: TSN (Canada), NBA League/NBC Sports California (USA)
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Raptors Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Spotify | Subscribe on Google Play
Game Preview
The Raptors almost looked like themselves again during a road loss in Phoenix. Pascal Siakam seemingly got his swagger back, the three-ball was once again falling (shooting 40% from deep) and Toronto actually won the rebounding battle (albeit by one). They didn't turn the rock over a ton (12 turnovers), they got to the line 32 times and things seemed to be getting back to normal for Nick Nurse's bunch. There were a lot of positives to take out of the game against the Suns ... the problem is they still lost.
Friday night presents an opportunity to carry those positives over from Phoenix and convert them into a much-needed win.
The Kings, on the other hand, might be just as happy to run into the Raptors as Toronto may be to see them. Sacramento has lost three of its last four games but saw some improvement in their last outing — a win over the Bulls.
Unfortunately for the Kings, star point guard DeAaron Fox suffered a hamstring injury that may keep him out of Friday's game against the Raptors. Rookie Tyrese Haliburton, who is off to a great start to his NBA career, and Canadian Cory Joseph may have to step up in Fox's absence.
Injury Report
Raptors
- Patrick McCaw: OUT (left knee)
Kings
- Jabari Parker: OUT (health and safety protocols)
- De'Aaron Fox: Day-to-day (hamstring)
- Richaun Holmes: Day-to-day (ankle)
Raptors vs. Kings Predictions
Gilbert McGregor (@GMcGregor21): The Raptors are beginning to look like themselves and I think that'll be enough for them as they head to NorCal. It all starts with Pascal Siakam, who looks to have gotten his groove back. His regained confidence will be a boost for the entire roster. Sacramento has been very solid this year but its youth will end up being its downfall as a team full of savvy veterans desperate for a win make their way into the Golden1 Center.
I'm going with the Raptors to get their second win of the season.
Scott Rafferty (@crabdribbles): I'm going with the Raptors as well. I was encouraged by the way they played against the Suns, even though it didn't end in a win. Plus, the Kings potentially being without De'Aaron Fox means they could be without their best player.
Carlan Gay (@TheCarlanGay): I'm going to make it a clean sweep. I said on the Raptors Podtable Podcast that I thought the Raptors would go 3-2 on this tough 5-game stretch beginning with the Boston game. I still believe that especially after the way they played in the Phoenix loss. This is a team ready to get back to its identity of tough defence and unselfish offence.
Raptors vs. Kings: Betting odds, spread, over/under
Spread: Raptors -5.0 (-110), Kings +5.0 (-110)
Raptors Moneyline: - 200
Kings Moneyline: +175
Over/Under: 225.5 (-110)
*Odds courtesy of William Hill Sports Book
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