Kings try to crown Raptors once again at ARCO

If recent history is any indication, the Raptors will be facing a significant challenge in the opener of this swing. Toronto is just 1-9 lifetime at ARCO Arena and has lost eight straight games in Sacramento. The Raptors’ lone road win over the Kings came on March 13, 1997.

Sacramento has also won 10 of the last 13 overall meetings with Toronto, although the teams have split their home-and-home series in each of the past two seasons.

The Raptors are coming off a four-game homestand which ended with Friday’s 111-102 loss to surging Atlanta. Joe Johnson poured in 34 points to lead the Hawks, while Josh Smith scored 20 of his career-high 29 points in the second half to help Atlanta to its fourth consecutive victory.

Chris Bosh compiled 19 points and 17 rebounds for Toronto, which went 2-2 on the stand. T.J. Ford added 17 points and 11 assists while Morris Peterson netted 18 points in the losing effort.

The Kings will be playing the third of four straight home games this evening. Sacramento won the first two in its friendly confines, including Wednesday’s 99-86 victory over Detroit.

Kevin Martin tied a career-high with 30 points and Mike Bibby scored 23 while dishing out seven assists for the Kings, who won for the third time in four games.

Sacramento’s Ron Artest faced the Pistons for the first time since he helped incite the infamous melee between players and fans in a November 19, 2004 game between Detroit and Indiana at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The controversial forward finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals.

The Kings will close out the homestand Wednesday against Memphis.