THE Toronto Raptors aim to end a seven-game losing streak as they host the Kings of Sacramento at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Raptors (23-45) have not won since March 3 against the Charlotte Frelons and have lost eight of nine games this month. The club now sits 12th in the Eastern Conference and has the seventh-worst record in the league.
Toronto will once again be without several regulars like RJ Barrett (personal reasons) and Emmanuel Quickley (personal reasons) will not be suitable. Scottie Barnes, Chris BoucherAnd Jakob Poeltl will also be absent for Wednesday’s contest.
Beginner Gradey Dick was forced into the starting lineup due to injuries and has responded well, averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game over his last five games. Guard Jordan Nwora also took advantage of this increased opportunity, having scored 18 points in Sunday’s 111-96 loss to the Magic of Orlando.
“Opportunities are something you have to seize when the moments come,” Nwora said after the defeat. “Obviously it would be a lot better if they got a few wins, but that’s part of the NBA you have to learn.”
Veterans Center Kelly Olynyk has been a consistent producer throughout this difficult stretch, averaging 14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks in 28.5 minutes per game. The Canadian also shot 55.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Kings Center Domantas Sabonis will attempt to take another step towards history during Wednesday’s competition. The three-time All-Star has recorded 50 consecutive double-doubles and needs just three more to match Kevin LoveThe post-merger high is 53. Sabonis is averaging 20.1 points, 13.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists this season while shooting over 60 percent from the field for the second straight season.
The Kings (39-28) are coming off a 121-111 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies and are 6-4 over their last 10 games. Sacramento is in sixth place in the Western Conference. The kings will be without Kevin Huerter (wrist) and Canadian Trey Lyles (knee) Wednesday.
