SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- A pair of teams heading in opposite directions meet Tuesday at ARCO Arena when the winless Sacramento Kings host the unbeaten Toronto Raptors.

The Kings, winners of at least 55 games each of the last four years, have lost their first three games for the first time since the 1997-98 season - their last losing campaign.

All three losses occurred on a season-opening Texas tour - a swing that will be tough for most teams this season.

Sacramento's return home may yield better results. It has played to a sold-out crowd in 226 straight games - the longest run in the league- and were 34-7 at ARCO Arena last season.

The Kings' star trio of Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Chris Webber combined for 74 points but got little help in a 104-101 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday. It marked the third game this season and the fifth straight dating back to the preseason that Sacramento's opponents have scored over 100 points.

That bodes well for the Raptors, whose improved offensive attack has kicked off a 3-0 start for the first time in franchise history. All three wins were at home, however, and Tuesday's contest begins a grueling six-game, nine-day road trip - one of two Toronto will have before January.

Vince Carter hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds to key a 101-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. He leads a balanced attack with a 17.7 scoring average. Three other players - Rafer Alston, Jalen Rose and Chris Bosh - are averaging at least 14 points while Loren Woods leads the team in rebounding.

The Kings have won three straight in the series and own a 12-4 advantage overall.