Kings vs. 76ers gameday: Fox trade talks; Embiid, George injury news; 3 things to watch
De’Aaron Fox trade talks will be a big focal point when the Sacramento Kings visit the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth game of a six-game road trip Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center.
Another will be Philadelphia’s injury situation with former MVP Joel Embiid expected to sit out and nine-time All-Star Paul George’s status in question.
The Kings (24-22) are coming off a 110-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. They are 10th in the Western Conference, two games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 6 seed.
The 76ers (18-27) have won three in a row. They will face the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Los Angeles Lakers 118-104 on Tuesday.
Here are three things to watch in Wednesday’s game.
De’Aaron Fox trade talks
The Kings have opened discussions for Fox ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline with no indication he will be willing to sign an extension this summer.
Fox could be asked about the possibility of a trade for the first time Wednesday after news of trade talks broke Tuesday. Fox’s uncertain future in Sacramento will continue to be a topic of conversation leading up to the trade deadline.
Fox scored 30 points in Monday’s win over the Nets. He scored 35 points in Sacramento’s 113-107 win over Philadelphia on Jan. 1 at Golden 1 Center.
Fox is averaging 25.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 46.8% from the field and 32.4% from 3-point range.
Philadelphia’s injuries
The 76ers won’t submit an injury report until Wednesday because they played Tuesday night, but the following players all missed Tuesday’s game against the Lakers: Andre Drummond (left toe injury recovery); Embiid (left knee injury management); George (left finger sprain); Caleb Martin (right hip sprain); KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction); and Jared McCain (left meniscus surgery).
Embiid, who is averaging 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, has already been ruled out against the Kings. George, who averages 17.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals, is day-to-day with an extensor tendon injury in his left pinkie finger.
Guarding Tyrese Maxey
The Kings will have to contend with All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey, a 2024 All-Star who is having another career year for the 76ers.
Maxey scored 43 points in Tuesday’s win over the Lakers. He went 15 of 26 from the field, 4 of 11 from 3-point range and 9 of 9 at the free-throw line.
Maxey is averaging a career-high 26.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and a career-best 2.0 steals. He is shooting 43.2% from the field and 33.9% from 3-point range, down from 45% and 37.3% last season.
Kings at 76ers
When: 4:30 p.m.
Where: Wells Fargo Center Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -7.5
Over/under: 225.5
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Doug McDermott (illness). OUT — Isaiah Crawford (G League); Colby Jones (G League); Isaac Jones (G League).
76ers: QUESTIONABLE — Caleb Martin (hip). OUT — Andre Drummond (toe); Joel Embiid (knee); Paul George (finger); KJ Martin (foot); Jared McCain (knee).
This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
