Sacramento Kings Host Toronto Raptors in Preseason Opener Tonight

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Kings are set to kick off the 2025-26 preseason tonight against the Toronto Raptors at 7:00 PM PT at the Golden 1 Center. This marks the first opportunity for fans to see the new-look Kings on the court following a busy offseason full of speculation and roster changes.

After a tumultuous previous season, where major players like De’Aaron Fox were traded and the head coach was changed, the Kings are ready to start fresh. The front office did not make any big individual signings, opting instead to retain a solid core that includes Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray, while adding veteran guard Dennis Schröder.

Schröder joins the Kings with a focus on enhancing both the offensive flow and defensive rigor of the team. Known for his all-around play and intensity, he is expected to share point guard duties, taking over the role that Fox vacated.

“You don’t have a lot of time to figure things out,” said head coach Doug Christie, emphasizing the need for execution during the preseason. “So there’s a higher priority on putting things in and looking at live game reps.”

Fans will be paying close attention to how Schröder integrates with the existing lineup, especially since the team lacked a reliable playmaker toward the end of last season. The preseason matchup will also serve as a platform for rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, who both hope to make an impact as they embark on their NBA careers.

Clifford, a late first-round pick, has already shown promise during the Summer League, while Raynaud aims to carve out a role despite being a second-round selection. The Kings are eager to see how these young players adapt as they face off against NBA-level talent.

The Kings’ depth chart also has some questions to answer, particularly concerning the backup power forward spot which lacks a player with Keegan Murray’s skill set. This preseason game will provide the coaching staff an early chance to evaluate options, including Doug McDermott and Isaac Jones.

With the regular season opening on October 22 against the Phoenix Suns, tonight’s game against the Raptors will be critical for team cohesion and strategy adjustment ahead of a competitive season.