Can the Kings end the streak? And could this also be a prelude of DeMar DeRozan's future home? Here's where to watch and the preview.
This could be a game where eventually some members of the Sacramento Kings switch sides.
DeMar DeRozan is linked to the Philadelphia 76ers as a trade candidate. Keon Ellis is another rising in the trade market. This Thursday night showdown could give fans in Philly a glimpse of who can help in the future.
Fernie Ruano is now here with the betting preview, plus where to watch tonight's game:
It most feel like 2016-17 all over again for 36-year-old DeMar DeRozan, who, despite watching the Sacramento Kings get outscored again in a crucial stretch of a game that was there for the taking -- this time, 31-15 in the fourth quarter, turning a tied contest into a 103-87 loss to the New York Knicks, just dropped 34 points in 39 points inside Madison Square Garden.
DeRozan, who, even at his advanced age, for a pro basketball player, anyway, continues to be a lethal midrange shooter making over 50% of his shot attempts this season, recently reached the 26,000-point mark for his career, in addition to delivering high-scoring performances, including pouring in 32 points in a win vs. the Los Angeles earlier this month and 27 against the Detroit Pistons in December.
DeRozan, a valuable scorer on a team featuring the often-injured Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, has recorded at least 20 points in 21 games this season.
Unfortunately, for DeRozan, a three-time NBA All-Star averaging 19.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 33.3 minutes per game in 48 contests for the Kings this season, its a far cry from almost a decade ago when he nearly averaged a career-best 27.3 points in 74 games for the Toronto Raptors.
That's because the Western Conference's bottom-dwelling Kings (12-36, 14th in the Western Conference), buried in a stack of trade speculation with the deadline approaching and playing their fourth contest of a current six-game road trip vs. the Philadelphia 76ers (25-21, 6th in the Eastern Conference) in a 7:00 p.m. (ET) tipoff on Thursday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, just might be a little bit short-handed tonight with Russell Westbrook (right foot soreness) and Malik Monk (right ankle soreness) currently listed as questionable.
Westbrook, one of the Kings best players all season who has played in all 48 games, is averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Sacramento forward Keegan Murray (left ankle sprain) is still out. The Kings, 4-6 in their last 10 games despite their current skid and a woeful 3-20 on the road, likely lose their two primary ball-handlers -- if Monk and Westbrook are out -- which in turn could leave DeRozan and LaVine both no other options than to look to score in insolation, which could be a recipe for disaster vs. the 76ers' defensive sets.
Sacramento, which has struggled to closeout games all season, largely due to their lack of depth and discipline, has also given up 115 points or more in six of their last seven games.
The Sixers, 13-13 at home and playing their second of three straight games in Philadelphia before heading out West, are coming off a 139-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia star forward Paul George, who scored 33 points in 32 minutes vs. the Bucks, is (left knee management) is probable vs. the Kings, as is center Joel Embiid (left knee management). Philadelphia is 4-6 in their last 10 games. Quentin Grimes (right ankle ankle) is questionable for the Sixers.
(The Kings vs. Sixers live TV broadcasts will be available on NBCS-CA and NBCS- PH.)
Based in Miami, Florida, Fernie Ruano is, in part, a contributor for Roundtable Sports with a focus on the Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets, Florida State Seminoles and Miami Marlins. Follow @bet_on_305_fernie on social media and connect via fernieruano@gmail.com.
Gambling Disclaimer: The sites encourage responsible gambling and provide resources for help. A common message is: "if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER." The National Council on Problem Gambling help line is also often cited at 1-800-522-4700.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our KINGS ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected.