The 76ers (29-16) will play the fifth and final matchup of their Western Conference trip Saturday, looking to make it a perfect 5-0 as they visit the Sacramento Kings (26-18).
Saturday’s matchup will mark the end of a significant winning streak for one of its participants, with the Sixers having won their last four, and the Kings their last six, in a row.
Both teams have also risen steadily in their respective conferences in recent weeks, with the Kings holding the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference and the Sixers holding the No. 3 spot in the East (tied record-wise with the No. 2 Milwaukee Bucks).
The Sixers took their first meeting with Sacramento on Dec. 13 in Philadelphia - a 123-103 victory led by Joel Embiid’s 31-point, seven-rebound outing. James Harden notched a 21-point, 15-assist double-double (plus seven rebounds), while Tobias Harris also neared a triple-double with 21 points, seven boards, and nine assists.
Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Kings in that contest, recording a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double.
De’Aaron Fox has led Sacramento in scoring this season, averaging 24.0 points per game. Sabonis (18.9 ppg) leads the Kings in rebounds (12.6 rpg) and assists (7.1 apg) per game.
The Kings will host the Sixers on the second night of a back-to-back, after hosting and beating the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-24), 118-113, Friday.
When you last saw the Sixers, the team took a 105-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers (21-24) Thursday, fueled by Embiid’s seventh consecutive 30-plus point outing and James Harden’s fourth triple-double this season.
Tyrese Maxey offered praise to the growing connection between his All-Star teammates postgame.
Following Saturday’s meeting with the Kings, the Sixers will return home to host the Brooklyn Nets (27-17) Wednesday, Denver Nuggets (32-13) Saturday, and a pair against the Orlando Magic (16-28).
Saturday’s road trip finale is a 10:00 p.m. ET start.
Thursday’s Key Contributors:
Joel Embiid
James Harden
Tyrese Maxey
76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Jan. 19, 2023
1 / 6PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 19: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on January 19, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Philadelphia 76ers won 105-95.
@Sixers Social:
Quote to Note:
Doc Rivers on the Sixers’ 4-0 road trip thus far, and the road ahead:
“I think we’re good - and I think we can be really, really good. But there’s work to do.”