Gameday: Randolph Takes a Day Off as Kings Play North of the Boder

For the second time in seven days, the Sacramento Kings face the Toronto Raptors for an early Sunday matinee. This time around, they'll have to go to battle without their leading scorer and their starting point guard.

Zach Randolph has carried a tremendous load for the Kings over the last few weeks. The 36-year-old big has logged 30 or more minutes for the Kings seven times over the past 11 games. He's posted huge numbers over that stretch, including a 35-point, 13-rebound performance in a win over the Pelicans.

In his 17th NBA season, Randolph is leading the Kings in scoring at 15.2 points and rebounding with 7.0. With a short break in the schedule, the team is giving Z-Bo an opportunity to catch his breath with a day off to rest. He'll return to action when Sacramento travels to Philly and Brooklyn for back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In addition to Z-Bo sitting, rookie De'Aaron Fox will sit on Sunday with a quad contusion. He is listed as day-to-day moving forward and the injury is not considered serious.

BETTING LINE

Raptors by 12.5

MATCHUP TO WATCH

George Hill vs. Kyle Lowry -- With De'Aaron Fox out, the Kings need Hill to continue his recent surge. He'll draw a three-time All-Star in Lowry that has the Raptors machine running smoothly. If Sacramento has any chance of upsetting Toronto, they'll need their veteran point guard to come up big.

WHERE THEY STAND

Kings: 9-19, fourth place in Pacific

Raptors: 19-8, second place in Atlantic

INJURY REPORT

Kings: C/PF Zach Randolph (rest) out, PG De'Aaron Fox (right quad contusion) out, SG/SF Malachi Richardson (sprained ankle) probable, PF Harry Giles (bilateral knee rehab) out until January at the earliest.

Raptors: C Lucas Nogueira (calf) out.

SERIES HISTORY

After four straight losses to the Kings, the Raptors picked up a win at Golden 1 Center last Sunday, giving them a 1-0 advantage in the season series. Sacramento holds a 26-16 lead in the all-time series between these two clubs.  

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

Replacing Z-Bo -- Randolph has been spectacular for Sacramento in the early season, but he's played more minutes than expected. The team last played Thursday in Minnesota. By giving Randolph Sunday off, the Kings are effectively giving the veteran a four day break from basketball activities.  Someone has to step up and fill the void or it's going to be a long day for the Kings.  

Second Team Magic -- With the team shorthanded, Dave Joerger is going to need the second unit to continue their strong play. Two reserves will slide into the starting lineup, opening up an opportunity for the end of the bench to get some run.

Air Canada -- After 20 seasons of NBA action, this might be Vince Carter's last trip to the city where it all began. The 40-year-old wing has played sparingly this season for Sacramento, but with the roster depleted, he'll likely see action. Carter helped put Toronto on the map as an NBA city. It's hard to imagine the fans not reacting to him in a positive way.

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