Toronto Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings: Half man, half amazing

The Toronto Raptors host the Sacramento Kings tonight, but all eyes will be on the pre-game ceremony where Vince Carter will finally have his jersey retired.

The Raptors play the second half of a back to back tonight, hosting the visiting Sacramento Kings in their only trip to Scotiabank Arena this season. It’s another return to his old stomping grounds for DeMar DeRozan, but tonight’s game has even more significance than that.

Tonight, Vince Carter’s purple, number 15 jersey will be lifted to the rafters of Scotiabank Arena. It’s the perfect setting for the occasion, the Raptors play against another one of his former teams, with the next face of the franchise after Vince making another return to Toronto. It also comes after Carter was introduced into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year.

The Raptors have gone all out for tonight, with it marking the first time the team will retire a player’s jersey. I’m sure you all saw the promotions with Carter’s jersey hanging in various locations around the city, and with the Vince Carter court unveiled at Dixon Park.

Today, more festivities and acknowledgements of Air Canada’s impact on this city, with the team unveiling a new mural in downtown Toronto.

There still is a game to be played, however, with the Raptors on a four game losing streak after dropping last night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Toronto is 1-5 on the season so far, with the playoff-contender Kings sitting at 3-2 and having the best ranked starting lineup in the NBA by net rating.

Ja’Kobe Walter is off the injury report, but the other four Raptors who missed last night’s game versus the Lakers remain out for tonight.

Toronto has their work cut out for them on the court, but off of it, tonight will be full of memories and celebrations as the team honours the half-man, half-amazing, Vince Carter.

Here’s what you need to know:

Time: 7:30 pm ET

Where to watch: Sportsnet

Lineups:

Raptors: Davion Mitchell, Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, Jakob Poeltl

Kings: De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis

Injuries:

Raptors: Kelly Olynyk — back (OUT), Bruce Brown — knee (OUT), Immanuel Quickley — pelvis (OUT), Scottie Barnes — orbital fracture (OUT)

Kings: Kevin Huerter — illness (OUT)