The Kings are hosting the 76ers on Thursday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Philadelphia is favored by 2.5 points and this game carries a total of 222.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick.
Kings vs. 76ers Preview
The 76ers defeated the Kings 113-111 in Philadelphia back in January, but this game is rather irrelevant, as Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine both played for the Kings, and all three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George suited up for the 76ers. All of these players will be inactive for Thursday’s rematch between the clubs.
While it’s been a terrible season for the Kings, sitting dead-last in the Western Conference at 18-52, the club has shown some pride recently, winning four of it’s last six. Three of these wins were against other lottery teams in the Bulls, Pacers and Jazz, but Sacramento did just defeat the Clippers in Los Angeles this past Saturday night, 118-109. Since the All-Star break, the Kings are 6-8 and they rank 24th in net rating.
Both DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook have had some throwback performances, and in the front-court, Maxime Raynaud and Precious Achiuwa have been a solid big man tandem. Both are averaging right around 16 points and 10 rebounds per game since the All-Star break.
The Kings have been protecting the ball well, ranking fourth in turnover percentage, but make no mistake, they are still a flawed team, ranking just 22nd and 23rd in offensive and defensive rating, respectively, since the All-Star break. A big plus for Sacramento tonight is the club will be on it’s home floor. The Kings have been far better at home this season with 12 wins, compared to just six on the road.
As for the 76ers, they are the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference at 37-32 and are only 2.5 games back of the No. 5 seeded Raptors, as the standings in the East are very tight. Philadelphia looks bound for at least a spot in the Play-In Tournament, and moving up the standings would be ideal for the club, but with so many key players sidelined, things haven’t been easy.
Since the All-Star break, the 76ers are 7-8 and they rank 21st in net rating. With their big three of Embiid, Maxey and George sidelined for the last six, Philadelphia is 3-3. All of those wins, however, came at home in Philadelphia. When the 76ers just went on the road to Denver this past Tuesday, they got run out the gym, 124-96. Even with Maxey playing in some games, the 76ers have lost five straight on the road and haven’t won an away game this month.
With Philadelphia’s top three options missing, the team has been relying on VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes. Justin Edwards has also stepped up at times. This depleted version of the 76ers can struggle mightily on offense — they rank second-to-last in offensive rating since Maxey got hurt earlier this month — and keeping up with the Kings tonight might even be a challenge for Philadelphia.
Kings vs. 76ers Pick, Best Bet
In this battle of weak and understaffed ball clubs, the Kings should prevail on their home floor. Philadelphia has lost five in a row on the road while Sacramento has won three of it’s last five at home.
The Kings being the underdog for this matchup is surprising and I love backing them to win with +120 ML odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
