Sacramento has a revamped roster ahead of facing Philadelphia, leading into this betting preview.
This is going to feel like a reserves showcase when the Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers meet.
Both teams are stung with injuries. Particularly on the side of the host team inside the Golden 1 Center for this Thursday night tilt.
Sacramento lists rookie Nique Clifford as questionable for the contest. He's dealing with left hamstring soreness. But he's not the only notable injury here.
Malik Monk is one more who's questionable. The key reserve is dealing with a right ankle sprain ahead of this matchup.
But even Philly is stung with the injury bug too.
Star Joel Embiid? He's got an oblique strain that makes him doubtful to play. Johni Broome is another key injury.
Yet that's not all for Philly. Fellow star Paul George won't be in the lineup due to his current NBA suspension. Same with Kelly Oubre (elbow) and Tyrese Maxey (right finger tendon) with their ailments.
Once again, this version of Sacramento versus Philly looks more like a night for the reserves. The lack of star power for this game headlines the contest.
That's not the only headline here, though. Sacramento remains in contention to land the top overall pick in the June 2026 NBA Draft, with lottery selections still to come on May 10. Sacramento re-sparked those conversations after getting blown out by the San Antonio Spurs.
Well, the Kings will be playing during a weekend a future Sacramento player will be in action. A high number of Kings fans likely will tune into March Madness Thursday to Sunday to check out who will wear the royal purple next season. Friday already features Kansas star Darryn Peterson taking on Cal Baptist. Duke's Cameron Boozer and BYU's AJ Dybantsa are in action on Thursday.
This franchise still has a rotation to figure out before facing the 76ers. Sacramento still has veterans DeMar DeRozan and the NBA's fifth-leading assists leader Russell Westbrook on the floor. Plus rising rookie Maxime Raynaud has stepped up big in recent weeks, including dropping 32 points against the Spurs.
Fortunately Sacramento is just a 2.5-point underdog per FanDuel Sportsbook. NBC will be airing this contest -- NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Philadelphia that is. But the Kings have a great opportunity to claim a victory here with a depleted 76ers lineup.
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