Inter-conference squads fight for momentum on Thursday night, as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Sacramento Kings at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Kings (12-36, 14th West) are mired in a nasty six-game skid, punctuated by Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks, and are still searching for their first road win since early December. Meanwhile, the 76ers (25–21, 6th East) have dropped six of their last ten games, though they beat the Bucks Tuesday night and will look to record back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly three weeks.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Sacramento Kings
- Out: Keegan Murray (Ankle), Russell Westbrook (Foot)
- Questionable: Malik Monk (Ankle)
Philadelphia 76ers
- Probable: Paul George (Knee), Joel Embiid (Knee)
- Questionable: Quentin Grimes (Ankle)
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Philadelphia enters as a heavy 11.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Sacramento sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 230.5 points.
Kings vs. 76ers Preview
Sacramento Kings Preview
Next Thursday’s trade deadline looms large for the Kings, whose current roster construction has left fans with little to no optimism. They rank in the NBA’s bottom three on both ends of the floor, while trailing only the Wizards for the worst net rating in the league.
Sacramento has seemingly hit a wall behind its aging backcourt trio of Zach LaVine, Russell Westbrook (Out), and DeMar DeRozan, none of whom averages over 20 points per game. While Domantas Sabonis has provided a solid boost, the Kings have won just one game since his return from injury. Meanwhile, burgeoning forward Keegan Murray remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Sacramento has scored the NBA’s third-fewest points per game, while ranking dead last in threes. On the other end, the Kings have allowed the fourth-most opponent points, while getting absolutely crushed inside.
The team’s issues have — somehow — exacerbated outside of California’s capital city. The Kings own a brutal 3–20 road record this season and haven’t won a game in enemy territory since they beat the Heat on Dec. 6.
Philadelphia 76ers Preview
The 76ers have largely played in the middle of the pack this season, currently owning the NBA’s 15th-ranked net rating. Still, momentum is mounting in the City of Brotherly Love.
Philadelphia is home to a budding superstar in Tyrese Maxey, who’s averaging 29.2 points and 6.8 assists per game. He’s flanked by third overall pick V.J. Edgecombe, who’s shown a little bit of everything in a dazzling rookie campaign. Joel Embiid has remained dominant when healthy, while Paul George has occasionally flashed his former stardom — going off for 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Tuesday’s win against Milwaukee.
Defensive inconsistency has driven the Sixers’ recent struggles, as they’ve allowed the NBA’s most second-chance points since Jan. 11. However, Thursday’s matchup offers a chance to reset for a defense that ranks sixth in steals and third in blocks.
Kings vs. 76ers Pick, Best Bet
Even at full strength, the Kings have struggled to compete with the league’s mid- and top-tier teams, especially on the road. Without Murray, Westbrook, and potentially sharpshooter Malik Monk, they’ll be even more exposed against a roster loaded with offensive weapons. Expect Maxey and the Sixers to carve up Sacramento’s porous defense and stretch their lead beyond 12 points by the final whistle.
