Kings vs. Raptors gameday: Kevin Huerter’s illness, injury updates and 3 things to watch

by · The Fresno Bee

The Kings are coming home after going 3-1 on a four-game road trip with an opportunity to avenge their only loss when they play host to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Kings (4-3) wrapped up their road trip with a dramatic 111-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday when Domantas Sabonis scored a putback basket with 0.7 seconds remaining.

The Raptors (2-6) opened a five-game road trip with a 121-119 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. After their stop in Sacramento, the Raptors will visit the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.

The Kings are again listing Kevin Huerter as questionable after he missed the past two games due to illness. Devin Carter (shoulder), Isaiah Crawford (G League), Mason Jones (G League) and Orlando Robinson (knee) are out.

The Raptors are listing Immanuel Quickley as questionable with a right pelvic contusion. Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Bruce Brown (knee), D.J. Carton (G League), Ulrich Chomche (G League) and Kelly Olynyk (back) are out.

Here are three things to look for in Wednesday’s game.

Sacramento surge

Sacramento’s high-powered offense is back after falling to No. 13 in offensive rating last season.

The Kings are No. 5 in the NBA in offensive rating (116.0) and No. 6 in points per game (118.3) despite ranking 24th in 3-point percentage (.331). They are No. 3 in field-goal percentage (.487), No. 1 in free-throw percentage (.835) and No. 9 in free-throw attempts (25.1).

DeMar DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have been the catalysts for Sacramento. DeRozan is averaging 25.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 52.9% from the field and 35.3% from 3-point range. DeRozan has scored 20 or more in his first seven games for the Kings, tying Chris Webber’s franchise record.

Fox is averaging 24.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.1 steals. Sabonis is putting up 20.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 60.5% from the field and 50% from 3-point range on 2.3 attempts per game.

3-point shooting

Sacramento’s offense could really take off if the Kings start hitting from 3-point range. They currently rank 21st in 3-point attempts (34.1) and 24th in 3-point percentage (.331).

Huerter is shooting 37.5% on 6.4 3-point attempts per game. Sabonis (50%),

Keon Ellis (35.3%) and DeRozan (35.3%) are also shooting well, but Malik Monk (31.4%), Keegan Murray (30.2%), Fox (29.8%) and Trey Lyles (25%) are all capable of hitting at higher percentages.

Scouting the Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have lost six of eight to start the season, but they have been good offensively despite the absence of Barnes over the past four games.

Toronto is No. 4 in the NBA in scoring (119.4 ppg), No. 9 in field-goal percentage (.473) and No. 12 in offensive rating (113.3). RJ Barrett leads the team, averaging 26.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists. Gradey Dick (21.6 ppg), Barnes (19.3 ppg), Jokob Poeltl (15.6 ppg), Ochai Agbaji (13.1 ppg) and Quickley (13.0 ppg) are also scoring in double figures.

Defense has been a different story for the Raptors. They are 26th in opponent field-goal percentage (.487), 29th in defensive rating (119.0) and 30th in opponent points per game (125.0).

Raptors at Kings

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Golden 1 Center

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140

Odds: Kings -10.5

Over/under: 237.5

Injury report

Raptors: DOUBTFUL — Immanuel Quickley (pelvis). OUT — Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture); Bruce Brown (knee); D.J. Carton (G League); Ulrich Chomche (G League); Kelly Olynyk (back).

Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Kevin Huerter (illness). OUT — Devin Carter (shoulder); Isaiah Crawford (G League); Mason Jones (G League); Orlando Robinson (knee).

Sacramento Kings schedule

Nov. 4 at Miami Heat

Nov. 6 vs. Toronto Raptors

Nov. 8 vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Nov. 10 at Phoenix Suns

Nov. 11 at San Antonio Spurs