Featured Matchup: Sacramento Kings
The Sixers are set to begin their quest for an NBA Championship on October 23rd against the Boston Celtics. But with the rest of the schedule also released by the NBA, there are plenty other regular-season matchups that Sixers fans can look forward to.
One matchup worthy of anticipation is against the up and coming Sacramento Kings. On the surface, a Sixers fan may think there are many other games that will be far more important. But because of where this game falls on the schedule, it will be a crucial game that the Sixers must win.
The game is set for Thursday, March 5th in Sacramento. Starting on March 1st, the Sixers will begin a west coast swing featuring four potential playoff teams. The trip will be 4 games in six days against the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors.
All four teams will be very talented this season, but winning the game against the Kings, most likely the easiest game on the road trip, is imperative. In addition, this should be a really enjoyable game to watch. So, let’s take a look at some important matchup’s fans can look forward to.
Projected Kings Starting Lineup
PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Buddy Hield
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Marvin Bagley III
C: Dewayne Dedmon
Fox vs Richardson
Josh Richardson will have his hands full guarding the Kings young star. Fox is fresh off of a breakout sophomore campaign in which he averaged 17 points and 7 assists. Richardson must rely on his length and size advantage. He will need to force Fox into long two-point jumpers or he will quickly be beaten off the dribble by Fox, who has tremendous speed and finishing ability.
Dedmon vs Embiid
Dewayne Dedmon comes to the Kings after a very productive season with the Atlanta Hawks. While he is a solid big man, Joel Embiid must have his way in this matchup. Dedmon is long, but cannot match up with Embiid’s quickness. Joel should look to attack off the dribble and shoot midrange jumpers all day over Dedmon who will tend to sag more in the paint on defense.
Hield vs Simmons
Buddy Hield has emerged as one of the best three-point shooters in the league after averaging over 20 points last season. Buddy moves on offense very well, but also will look to spot up at the three-point line. It is possible Coach Brown puts either Richardson or Harris on Hield instead, but Ben may have the best chance to lock him down. Ben’s ability to stay in front of defenders will make it very difficult for Hield to get too many easy shots off.
While the Kings project to only be a fringe playoff team, this is a game that the Sixers cannot lose focus on. Last spring, the Sixers traveled to Sacramento and lost to the Kings in early February. In what will be a tough stretch of games for them, the Sixers need to capitalize on the youthful Kings roster.
There is no doubt the Sixers will have a chance to be the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. And if they hope to do so, they will need to win games such as this one. A win could potentially give the team a solid 2-2 road trip record before heading back to the Wells Fargo Center.
So, Sixers fans, look forward to watching one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA in this one. And hopefully, the Sixers can pull out a late-season win in Sacramento.
Featured Image: WagerTalk News
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