Right now, the Kings and Raptors are in two very different places. In an effort to avoid potential Play-In Tournament games with the desperate Mavericks, Suns, Lakers, or Warriors, Sacramento is attempting to guarantee a postseason position in a competitive Western Conference.

Toronto is currently rebuilding. The Raptors have an intriguing bunch of young players now that they have traded away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, but they are only in twelfth place in the East.

The game today is really significant for the Kings. In the Western Conference playoff battle, every victory counts, and the Kings have had difficulty defeating weak or inexperienced teams throughout the whole campaign.It’s time to make that right now.

Both teams have full injury reports

Regretfully, Trey Lyles and Kevin Huerter—two important players—will not be available for the Kings. Players like Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis will need to step up both now and down the road.

Positively, Sasha Vezenkov was labeled as questionable earlier today and may be getting close to returning to the lineup after missing a significant amount of time due to a grade three ankle strain. Given Lyles’ prolonged absence due to an MCL sprain, Vezenkov’s bulk and shooting prowess would be highly advantageous.

Things appear to be getting worse for the Raptors. Listed as unavailable are Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher, D.J. Carton, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley. That essentially sums up their entire beginning.

What does this mean for the Kings?

Even with two key players out, the Kings should easily win this game. It shouldn’t even get as close as Monday’s game against the Grizzlies. Memphis is losing a lot, but they at least had Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., two young rising stars, playing.

This two-game stretch against the Raptors and the Wizards is a chance for the Kings to add to their win total and support their standing in the playoff race. So, they have to take care of business and not play down to the level of the competition like we have seen them do so many times this season.

This features significant performances by their key players, De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk, in addition to strong performances from Chris Duarte, Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Keon Ellis, and Davion Mitchell.

The starting lineup should ideally be able to relax in the final few minutes and mentally switch to the next game.