NBA basketball is returning to Vancouver this fall. It was announced Thursday morning that the Toronto Raptors will face off against the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game at Rogers Arena on Sunday, October 8th.
The game will mark the first time in five years that the Raptors have played in Vancouver. The Raptors last played a preseason game in 2018 against the Portland Trailblazers, which was also Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors debut.
“The Raptors have a deep connection with Canada’s west coast – our preseason games there have been a great way for our team to begin our season,” said Raptors GM Bobby Webster in a press release.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Vancouver’s basketball fans at Rogers Arena in October, and to starting another exciting NBA season there.”
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This year’s Raptors team is led by two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam and 2021-22 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.
The Raptors take on the Sacramento Kings, a team who just made the playoffs for the first time in 17 years last season. The Kings feature three-time NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis, 2023 NBA All-Star De’Aaron Fox and Canadian Trey Lyles.
“We’re excited to be part of the NBA Canada Series this year. This is a special opportunity for our players and staff, and we look forward to great competition and experiencing Vancouver,” said Sacramento Kings General Manager Monte McNair.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, August 25th. For presale tickets, click here.