Game Thread G9: 01/08 Kings (4-4) vs Raptors (1-6) 7pm

Post #1 » by **City of Trees** » Fri Jan 8, 2021 12:13 am

Raptors have been one of the more disappointing teams this season but I say don't let their record fool you. Yes 1-6 for a team sprinkled with Championship pedigree is alarming, however their losses were at the hands of playoff contending teams: Pelicans x2, Celtics, 76ers, Suns, and Spurs. Raps took care of business against New York and will look to do the same against Sacramento.

Toronto's Big 3 consists of Siakam, Van Fleet, and Lowry who all average 20 ppg each this season.

Siakam was benched earlier this season against the Knicks for leaving the floor early the game prior.

My take is don't take this Raptors team lightly. They have the talent and star power to handle any team on any given night.

Post #2 » by **City of Trees** » Fri Jan 8, 2021 2:59 pm

De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) and Richaun Holmes (ankle) both missed practice yesterday but are expected to play today. Something to keep an eye on as we approach tip off.

kb02 · Post #3 » by **kb02** » Fri Jan 8, 2021 3:35 pm

Assuming Fox and Holmes play, I have the Kings winning this game 116 to 113. The 3 point spread as a result of a plus 3 credit to the home team. Without the credit, my numbers comes out to 113.2 to 113.2.

The Kings currently rank 12th in scoring and 24th in defense. While the Raps rank 23rd in offense and 20th in defense. The game will come down to offensive rebounds, 3 pointers made, and steals. The differential between the two teams are about 30%. With the Kings having a big advantage in offensive rebounds (32%) and the raps leading in 3 pointers made (33%) and steals (30%).

Beyond the numbers, I've watched a decent amount of Raps games. Siakam has been subpar and the three guards (including Powell) are going to be physical, crafty, and will make their shots. Fox and Haliburton match the guards and the Kings win easily.

The spread is currently Kings +5.5 and the ov/und is 225.5. Because I have the game as a push without the homecourt credit and the projected line is just about 2% above the ov/under line, I would play the spread. Maybe buy .5 points to make it a three (or two ) shot cushion. Assuming, again, that Fox and Holmes play.

Post #4 » by **City of Trees** » Fri Jan 8, 2021 10:46 pm

Update:. Kyle Lowry will miss tonight's game (personal reasons) against Sacramento

Kings chances go way up. Feels like Lowry always gives us the business.

Silver Man · Post #5 » by **Silver Man** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 2:11 am

Officially limited minutes for Fox tonight.

Post #6 » by **codydaze** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 3:28 am

First quarter is going about as well as it can for us right now. Just need to play a full 48 tonight.

kalenclayton · Post #7 » by **kalenclayton** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:06 am

The offense in this first half is a thing of beauty

Post #8 » by **codydaze** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:15 am

Let's just hope we don't come out with a classic Kangz third quarter. Holmes with four fouls is going to be something to keep an eye on though, don't want him picking up that fifth early.

SmellingColors · Post #9 » by **SmellingColors** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:22 am

22 assists in that half. Fox, Haliburton, and Holmes balled out. Holmes in foul trouble though.

Post #10 » by **City of Trees** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:28 am

Bjelica shouldn't get anymore playing time. The roster has passed him by. Things fall apart when he's in there. Can't rotate.

SmellingColors · Post #11 » by **SmellingColors** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:33 am

codydaze wrote:Let's just hope we don't come out with a classic Kangz third quarter. Holmes with four fouls is going to be something to keep an eye on though, don't want him picking up that fifth early.

Looks like that's what's happening so far...hopefully they can pull it together.

BoogieTime · Post #12 » by **BoogieTime** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:41 am

Bagley absolute garbage at rim protection

He simply can’t be the only big on the floor

I hate Whiteside so I’m not sure what the solution is when Holmes in foul trouble

Post #13 » by **codydaze** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:50 am

Wasn't totally a Kangz third but Toronto absolutely caught fire. Bagley really needs to improve in P&R defense.

LightTheBeam · Post #14 » by **LightTheBeam** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:51 am

God damn I miss Grant. This announcer is so trash. Feels like I'm watching an away game. Such low energy

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LightTheBeam · Post #15 » by **LightTheBeam** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 4:53 am

Can't even be mad about the game. Never seen such an average team have such an insane 3pt shooting effort

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Post #16 » by **City of Trees** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 5:19 am

RipPizzaGuy wrote:God damn I miss Grant. This announcer is so trash. Feels like I'm watching an away game. Such low energy

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All Grant does is repeat the players last name.

Fox. FOx. FOX. De'Aaron Fox.

Lame.

Post #17 » by **codydaze** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 5:20 am

Defense was optional in that second half for us. Not gonna win many games when you can't get any stops. We played a pretty good game, offensively, but Toronto caught fire from late in the third until the end of the game.

On the bright side, Haliburton had another really good night and Fox showed some of that all star hype tonight being aggressive and getting to the basket.

Post #18 » by **City of Trees** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 5:27 am

If we are talking needs the Kings need a mobile defensive big who can protect the rim.

Also, I'm good waiving Bjelica.

Post #19 » by **codydaze** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 5:32 am

City of Trees wrote:If we are talking needs the Kings need a mobile defensive big who can protect the rim.

Also, I'm good waiving Bjelica.

Absolutely. Toronto started abusing Bagley in the pick and roll and caught their groove. He's almost Kanter level bad guarding P&R, his feet are terrible defensively.

BoogieTime · Post #20 » by **BoogieTime** » Sat Jan 9, 2021 6:26 am

Team would be much more entertaining starting Hali

But that is some time away. Can’t not start Buddy/Bagley or they will whine, and can’t be moved for various reasons