Kings vs. 76ers watch guide: Lineups, injury report, player usage

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Searching for answers the Sacramento Kings head back out onto the hardwood Friday evening for a clash against the playoff-bound Philadelphia 76ers. They'll need a big showing from every player that steps on the floor if they hope to pick up their fourth straight victory over a quality Sixers team.

Sacramento is coming off a disappointing loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday. De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes all posted big numbers. The trio also played major minutes, which might come into play on the second night of a back-to-back.

[RELATED: How to watch Kings-Sixers online and on MyTeams app]

Philadelphia has won two straight and is building towards what they hope will be a long postseason run. They have a star-studded roster, including current and former All-Stars Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler, as well as Kings' killer, Tobias Harris.

Kings Pregame Live on NBC Sports California begins at 3:30 p.m., with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. All coverage can be seen on the MyTeams by NBC Sports app.

The team will return home following the game where they'll kick off a four-game homestand beginning with the Bulls on Monday evening. The Kings will host the Nets, Mavs, and Suns before heading back out on the road for another five-game trip.

Line

Sixers by 9.5

Projected Lineups

Kings
PG De’Aaron Fox
SG Buddy Hield
SF Harrison Barnes
PF Nemanja Bjelcia
C Willie Cauley-Stein

76ers
PG Ben Simmons
SG J.J. Redick
SF Jimmy Butler
PF Tobias Harris
C Joel Embiid

Injury Report

Kings 
No injuries to report.

76ers
PG Ben Simmons (illness) probable, PF Mike Scott (illness) probable, SF Furkan Korkmaz (knee) out.

Rotation Outlook

Kings

Dave Joerger made a lineup change against the Celtics on Thursday, moving Nemanja Bjelica back into the starting lineup at the four and shifting Harrison Barnes back to the small forward spot. The change helped Sacramento get off to a fast start, but it didn't help them come away with a much-needed win.

With Barnes starting at the three, Bogdan Bogdanovic moved back to the second unit. He struggled with foul and turnover issues, as well as missing all three of his 3-point attempts. The Kings could use a bounce-back game from their super-sub.

[RELATED: Bogdan Bogdanovic continues to struggle, prompting questions about fit]

Marvin Bagley returned to action after missing five straight games and he is not listed on the team's injury report heading into Friday. Joerger limited him to just 19 minutes of play against Boston, but that didn't stop the rookie from dropping in 14 points and six rebounds.

76ers

Philadelphia is an offensive juggernaut with five players that can hit you for 30 points on any given night. They present matchup problems at multiple positions for Sacramento, including the point guard position where  Simmons has a seven-inch height advantage over Fox.

Under head coach Brett Brett Brown, the Sixers have the fifth highest scoring offense in the NBA and rank eighth in pace. They allow 111.5 points per game, which is 16th in the league and their defensive rating is slightly better, coming in at 11th overall.

Philly ranks fourth in both rebounding and assists, but they turn the ball over a lot, which could play into the Kings' hands.

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