Domantas Sabonis, Kings Set to Challenge Ailing Sixers

The Philadelphia 76ers have shown signs of life after a rough start to 2025, but they face a major challenge Wednesday against Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings. With multiple key players sidelined, the Sixers will need another strong effort to contain the NBA’s rebounding leader.

Sixers Facing Major Injury Concerns

Philadelphia (4th in the East) has turned things around in recent games, winning three straight, including a 118-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Tyrese Maxey exploded for 43 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 20, helping the Sixers overcome the absence of three major contributors.

The team remains without MVP center Joel Embiid (knee), veteran forward Paul George (finger), and rebounding specialist Andre Drummond (toe). Their absences have left the Sixers severely undersized, which could be a major problem against the Kings’ elite frontcourt.

Philadelphia is already the worst rebounding team in the league, averaging fewer than 40 boards per game, and will rely on undersized center Guerschon Yabusele and rookie Adem Bona to battle Sabonis inside.

Despite the lack of size, the Sixers have been scrappy on defense, forcing 22 turnovers against the Lakers, including 14 steals. Head coach Nick Nurse praised the team’s defensive intensity.

“Our defense was great,” Nurse said. “(We forced) 22 turnovers, had our hands all over the place.”

Maxey, now fully embracing his leadership role, acknowledged the challenge of playing without key teammates but remains confident in the team’s effort.

“Whoever is out here is out here,” Maxey said. “We’ve got to play extremely hard and give ourselves a chance to win. I know that has to start with me—and I’m OK with that.”

Sabonis’ Historic Run Continues

Sacramento (5th in the West) arrives in Philadelphia with momentum after a dominant 110-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Sabonis posted an incredible 21-point, 22-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, marking his 23rd straight game with double-digit boards.

“I’m just going out there, trying to do my job,” Sabonis said. “As a big, you’ve got to rebound. And then I try to be involved on the offensive end, help my teammates.”

Sabonis became just the second player in NBA history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound triple-double while shooting at least 80% from the field, joining Wilt Chamberlain.

Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox bounced back from a rough six-game shooting stretch with 30 points, seven assists, and zero turnovers against Brooklyn. His aggressive play was a welcome sight for head coach Doug Christie.

“When you get that aggressive Fox, it’s a special sight to behold,” Christie said.

However, Fox’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, with multiple reports suggesting that Sacramento might move him before the Feb. 6 deadline.

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Kings Have Already Beaten the Sixers Once

Sacramento already owns a win over Philadelphia this season, a 113-107 victory on Jan. 1. Fox dominated that game with 35 points on 13-of-16 shooting, while Sabonis contributed 17 points, 21 rebounds, and seven assists.

The Sixers were in the midst of a 2-10 stretch at the time but have since found better form. With Maxey leading the charge and their defense stepping up, Philadelphia will try to overcome its rebounding struggles and pull off another win despite being shorthanded.

However, containing Sabonis will be a major challenge, and Sacramento is looking to capitalize on the Sixers’ lack of size. If Fox stays aggressive and Sabonis continues his historic pace, the Kings could leave Philadelphia with another victory.