Joel Embiid & Kevin Huerter ruled out of Kings vs. 76ers

Jan 12, 2024, 9:35 AM | Updated: 9:37 am

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 06: Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings controls the ball against th...

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

After completing a back-to-back sweep of the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, the Sacramento Kings are preparing for Friday’s matchup against a Philadelphia 76ers team that currently sits in the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

While the Kings will undoubtedly have a more challenging test ahead of them following two games against opponents with a combined winning percentage of .154, the 76ers will be missing a vital piece when these teams face off at the Wells Fargo Center in front of a national ESPN audience.

According to the NBA’s Injury Report database, Philadelphia has ruled out reigning NBA MVP center Joel Embiid (knee) for Friday’s game against Sacramento.

Embiid, who is currently averaging 34.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over 27 games this season, has missed six of the 76ers’ past eight games as he treats left knee inflammation.

With Embiid ruled out, fans will have to wait until March 25th for a chance to see fellow All-NBA talent Domantas Sabonis go head-to-head with the dominant big man.

While the 76ers have struggled without Embiid this season (2-7), Philadelphia has no shortage of firepower as Tyrese Maxey (26.2 points per game) and Tobias Harris (17.4 points per game) will be available to give the Kings’ defense a challenge.

On Sacramento’s end of things, guard Kevin Huerter will not suit up after departing Wednesday’s game just seconds following the opening tip due to a left ankle sprain.

With Huerter unable to suit up, the Kings will likely lean on Chris Duarte, Keon Ellis, and Colby Jones while Malik Monk would also see an increase in minutes.

Duarte was seen in a starters practice jersey during pregame shoot-around and is in line to log his 11th start of the season.

Huerter appeared to injure his ankle on this play ⬇ pic.twitter.com/rrZLUOHoHs

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) January 11, 2024

Kings vs. 76ers Injury Report

Sacramento

Kevin Huerter – OUT (left ankle sprain)
Jalen Slawson – OUT (G-League)
Jordan Ford – OUT (G-League)

Philadelphia

Joel Embiid – OUT (left knee inflammation)
Robert Covington – OUT (left knee inflammation)
Kenneth Lofton Jr. – OUT (left shoulder AC joint sprain)

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

After starting the road trip against two teams with a combined winning percentage of .154, the heat will turn up for Sacramento before returning home.

Friday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers will be the first of three upcoming matchups against 2022-23 playoff teams. After facing the 76ers on ESPN, the Kings will travel to Milwaukee and Phoenix before flying back to Sacramento.

The Kings have lost nine straight games against the 76ers, with their most recent win coming on February 2, 2019. Sacramento has not beaten Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center since December 19, 2017 (lost the past five games).

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. 76ers coverage, beginning at 3:00 PM PST on Game Night before a 4:30 PM PST tip-off from the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’