“Kings Face Off Against Raptors Without Key Player: What Illness Could Mean for Their Playoff Hopes?”

As the Sacramento Kings gear up for their next matchup against the Toronto Raptors, they face a significant hurdle with the absence of starting guard Kevin Huerter. Just when the Kings were looking to build momentum on their four-game road trip, Huerter’s health has taken center stage, as he’s been sidelined due to illness. This development is particularly concerning given Huerter’s recent resurgence after overcoming a serious shoulder injury that kept him off the court for much of last season. Meanwhile, the Raptors are also navigating their own injury challenges, missing key players such as Scottie Barnes and Bruce Brown. With both teams in need of a victory, the stakes are higher than ever. Can the Kings rally together to keep their momentum going despite Huerter’s absence, or will the Raptors capitalize on this opportunity? Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the implications of these injuries and what it means for both teams as they clash on the hardwood. LEARN MORE.

Huerter ruled out of Kings vs. Raptors game with illness originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay AreaHuerter returned to the court to begin the 2024-25 campaign following a season-ending shoulder injury in March. He had surgery in April to repair a torn left labrum but was cleared for full contact court activity on Oct. 11 after missing training camp and five preseason games.For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes (right orbital; fracture) Bruce Brown (knee) and Kelly Olynyk (back) are out. Immanuel Quickley (pelvic) is doubtful.Sharpshooting guard Kevin Huerter was ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Raptors with an illness, per the team’s 11:30 a.m. PT injury report.The Kings will be without one starter as their four-game road trip continues Saturday in Toronto.While Huerter was rehabbing, young guard Keon Ellis replaced him in the starting lineup to close out the 2023-24 season and this preseason. That likely will be the case for Saturday’s game.After an up-and-down season last year for Huerter, the 26-year-old has bounced back and looked sharper than ever on both ends of the floor for Sacramento.Through five games this season, Huerter is averaging 11.6 points on 48.9-percent shooting from the field and 37.5 percent from 3-point range, with 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 26 minutes.