Kings vs. Sixers: LaVine Returns, Westbrook Out, and Sacramento Faces a Tall Task in Philly
The Sacramento Kings are limping into Philadelphia, both literally and figuratively. With Zach LaVine set to return, but Russell Westbrook sidelined and Malik Monk questionable, the Kings are trying to stop a six-game skid on the fourth stop of a grueling six-game road trip.
At 12-36, Sacramento sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, tied for the third-worst record in the NBA. And things don’t get easier from here.
The Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, are coming off a big win over Milwaukee and looking to build momentum as they hold onto the sixth seed in the East. Here’s what to watch for in Thursday’s matchup at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
1. Zach LaVine’s Return Couldn’t Come at a Better Time
The Kings desperately need a spark, and they’re hoping LaVine can provide it. He’s missed the last two games with lower back soreness, and the offense has looked flat without him. Tuesday’s 87-point showing against the Knicks was a season-low, and Sacramento struggled to generate any rhythm without its top scorers.
LaVine leads the team in scoring at 19.5 points per game and has been heating up from deep, shooting 43.3% from three in January. While he hasn’t led the team in scoring since dropping 42 on Miami back on December 6, his presence alone changes how defenses have to play the Kings. He stretches the floor, creates off the dribble, and gives Sacramento a much-needed offensive engine.
2. Westbrook Out, Monk in Question: Sacramento’s Backcourt Depth is Being Tested
Russell Westbrook has been ruled out with right foot soreness, and Malik Monk remains questionable with the same ankle issue that kept him out against the Knicks. That puts a lot on the shoulders of Dennis Schroder, who’s expected to step into the starting point guard role.
Westbrook’s numbers-15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists-don’t tell the full story. His recent struggles have been hard to ignore: just 10-of-36 from three over his last five games, with 20 turnovers during that stretch. Still, his pace, rebounding, and ability to push the tempo are tough to replace.
Monk, on the other hand, has quietly been one of the Kings’ most efficient scorers. He’s averaging 12.5 points while shooting a career-best 42.7% from beyond the arc.
Over his last five games, he’s hit 19 of 37 from deep-good for 51.4%. If he can suit up, it gives Sacramento a badly needed perimeter threat alongside LaVine.
3. Slowing Down Maxey and Embiid: Easier Said Than Done
Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid form one of the most dangerous inside-out duos in the league, and the Kings will have their hands full trying to contain either one-let alone both.
Maxey has taken a leap this season, averaging 29.2 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. He’s explosive off the dribble, can shoot it from anywhere, and has become the Sixers’ go-to guy in crunch time.
Embiid, meanwhile, continues to be a matchup nightmare. He’s putting up 25.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, anchoring Philadelphia on both ends of the floor.
Containing them will require a near-perfect defensive effort from Sacramento, which has struggled mightily on that end during their losing streak. The Kings will need to rotate quickly, communicate constantly, and avoid foul trouble-especially with their depth already compromised.
The Bottom Line
Thursday’s game is a tough ask for a Kings team searching for answers. With Westbrook out and Monk’s status up in the air, LaVine’s return gives them a fighting chance, but they’ll need more than just scoring to pull off an upset in Philly. The Sixers are trying to solidify their playoff position and come in riding high after a statement win over Milwaukee.
If Sacramento wants to snap the skid, it starts with effort, execution, and finding a way-any way-to slow down Maxey and Embiid.
Game Info:
- Tip-Off: 4 p.m. PT
- Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
- TV: NBC Sports California
- Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
- Odds: Sixers -11.5
- Over/Under: 230.5
Injury Report:
- Kings: Questionable: Malik Monk (ankle) Out: Russell Westbrook (foot), Keegan Murray (ankle), Daeqwon Plowden (G League), Isaiah Stevens (G League)
- 76ers: Available: Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) Probable: Paul George (knee) Questionable: Quentin Grimes (ankle) Doubtful: Charles Bassey, Marlon Beauchamp, Johni Broome (all G League)
The Kings need to dig deep. The road trip’s been rough, but with LaVine back and the right pieces stepping up, they’ve still got a puncher’s chance in Philly.