The Sacramento Kings travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 19 in a regular season game. This article previews that game from a Kings’ perspective.
The Sacramento Kings make their lone trip to the city of Brotherly Love to face the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. It is the first of a back-to-back and game three of a four-game road trip for the Kings.
Sacramento and the Sixers faced off on Nov. 9 in California. It was a wild Thursday night affair. De’Aaron Fox nailed the game-winner for 109-108 Kings’ victory. Below is a highlight video from that game so that you can see both teams on the court.
Without further ado, here is the top thing I am watching for tonight and some final thoughts on the contest between the Sacramento Kings and the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec 19.
Defending The Process
Joel Embiid sat out of Monday’s game with the intention of facing the Kings on Tuesday evening. That is terrible news for Kings fans as Embiid is a nearly impossible cover. He is an adept passer with the ability to stretch the floor and bully you in the post. Embiid has almost no hole in his game and figures to give Sacramento a rough time this evening.
Expect the Kings to call on Willie Cauley-Stein, Zach Randolph, Kosta Koufos, and Georgios Papagiannis to defend Embiid. WCS has the foot speed and athleticism, but Embiid uses his physicality to bully him around. Z-Bo and Koufos matchup better physically, but lack the foot speed to contain The Process. Papagiannis will get exposed in every phase if the Kings call on that battle. Expect a huge night from Embiid, but if Sacramento can hold him in check that would go a long way in securing a road victory on Dec. 19.
It is worth mentioning, Embiid put up 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in the first meeting against the Kings on Nov. 9. He shot just 7 of 20 from the field as well. It is safe to say that he likely shoots better tonight.
Final thoughts
There you have it, a brief preview of tonight’s contest between the Sacramento Kings and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are an entertaining team to watch with a ton of young talent. Ben Simmons is a fantastic athlete and passer, Robert Covington is a defensive wizard, and J.J. Redick has long been a top 3-point specialist in the league. Throw it all together, and Philly is fun. Please tune in and enjoy the game.
Next: Why Michael Porter Jr. could be a steal for the Kings
A Royal Pain is the place to find all the Sacramento Kings information you desire this season. Our team prides itself on covering every aspect of the organization, so be sure to check back with us frequently. Thank you for reading.