The Sacramento Kings play host to the visiting and new-look Toronto Raptors, who have won two-consecutive games with newcomers RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley in the lineup. 

Catch the game tomorrow at 11:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Toronto Raptors  (14-20, 5-11 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Immanuel Quickley
• RJ Barrett
• Scottie Barnes
• Pascal Siakam
• Jakob Poeltl

The Raptors’ new-look squad with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are off to a good start. They have bagged back-to-back victories following the former Knickerbockers’ arrival, being the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-121 at home, then edging out the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, 116-111.

We should see the two being more integrated into the offense more and more. Barrett had 19 and 14 points in his first two, while Quickley scored 14 in their debut and then followed it up with a team-high 26 points. It’s a fresh start so hopes are high on these young guys.

In any case, though, two Raptor mainstays will remain as top options. Pascal Siakam has been tearing it up after a slow start, putting up 25.9 points on 58.2% shooting over his last four. Scottie Barnes, meanwhile, is filling the statsheet with a full line: 21.0 points, 9.8 boards, 5.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.

But, as per usual, defense will be a big key as they are up against a highly capable offense. They will have their work cut out for them, especially whoever is guarding De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis – the latter figures to be on Jakob Poeltl, who’s been hot-and-cold this season.

The Raptors score 114.0 PPG but give up 115.1in return.

HOME: Sacramento Kings (20-13, 12-6 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• De’Aaron Fox
• Kevin Huerter
• Harrison Barnes
• Keegan Murray
• Domantas Sabonis

The Kings are 3-1 in their last four games, averaging 120.5 points and giving up 112.0 in return over that span. They will also be coming off a hard-fought game, where they outlasted the Orlando Magic in a shootout, 138-135. Sixth man Malik Monk rose for the team, blasting a team-high 37 points with seven threes while dishing out nine assists.

Monk (14.6 PPG, 5.6 APG) has been quite solid off the bench, and when he’s on fire, he really is lighting it up. He’s proven to be reliable whenever top scorers De’Aaron Fox (29.4 PPG, 6.1 APG) and/or Domantas Sabonis (19.6 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 7.5 APG) are having off-nights.

Second-year forward Keegan Murray plays the third or fourth option role, and like Monk, he too is showing his worth. Note that he unloaded a career-high 47 points just weeks ago, highlighted by 12 threes. He’s also on the heels of a 28-point performance, his second-highest output this season.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Kings (-5.5) cover.

Over/Under: The total goes over 238.5.