The Philadelphia 76ers found a groove last month, and will carry a four-game winning streak into this game against the Sacramento Kings as they seek their 11th win in 14 games.

While Joel Embiid won’t suit up in this game, our 76ers vs. Kings predictions will focus on Philly’s continued success offensively without its superstar big and the massive loss it will endure on the other side of the floor.

Let’s dig into some NBA player props and hand out some NBA picks on Wednesday, January 1.

76ers vs Kings prediction

My best bet
Over 222.5 (-110 at bet365)

My analysis

Things have certainly picked up on the offensive side of the ball for the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished December ranked 10th in scoring efficiency after entering the month with the third-fewest points per 100 possessions.

Philly found plenty more success around the arc despite a somewhat low volume, hitting on 36.6% of its looks to rise from the depths of the league in that regard, and continued to rank among the best in the league at getting to the free throw line.

It’s not as if this has been a good free-throw shooting team, but the sustained volume there has helped make up for some lackluster numbers around the rim – where it also takes a ton of shots.

While some more Joel Embiid minus have certainly helped the cause, however, this team has actually posted a significantly better offensive rating with him on the bench this season. Even last month – as the Sixers owned a 112.5 offensive rating with Embiid on the floor – they were somehow a point better per 100 possessions when he was off the floor.

The defensive end is where the loss of Embiid has really been felt by a significant margin, and now they’ll gear up for a meeting with the Sacramento Kings – who at one point led the league in scoring efficiency last month and have remained a force on that end of the floor.

With the Sixers already starved for rebounds, and adding Andre Drummond to the injury report ahead of this one, the better of the two offenses here should be afforded some extra possessions on the glass in what’s already a friendly matchup.

Sacramento will have the chance to shoot on a defense that took a big step back against the mid-range shot last month and has been one of the very worst in defending the rim, which should leave little doubt about its ability to continue scoring.

Considering the Sixers have been just fine on offense without Embiid and will continue to find success against a defense that’s been brutal at the rim and the arc, I’m expecting plenty of offense and would make this total a couple of points higher.

76ers vs Kings same-game parlay

Over 222.5

Kelly Oubre Over 13.5 points

Domantas Sabonis Over 19.5 points

He may not be the biggest recipient of volume on the team with Embiid off the court, but Kelly Oubre has been in what’s essentially a tie for second in Usage Rate in these minutes. And, speaking of minutes, Oubre has been an unquestionably important player for the Sixers in the wake of so many injuries with over 35 per game last month.

He should be on the floor plenty here, and given he’s one of the few Sixers who fit the unique profile of a player who shoots at the rim and the arc, I like Oubre’s chances of finding success offensively on such a generous defense. He hit this number last time out against the Trail Blazers, and averaged 12.5 points in December despite little to speak of from 3. That luck is bound to turn around on Wednesday against this defense, and it should be the boost we need to get home here.

I also love Domantas Sabonis in this spot, considering he’s shooting more at the rim than anyone that’s expected to see significant playing time. Yes, the points have been somewhat hard to come by lately, but Sabonis will head up against a team that’s not only allowing shots at the rim well above the league average but which has continued to sit right near the bottom of the NBA in rim defense. Without Embiid, this matchup is only going to grow more favorable.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

76ers vs Kings odds

76ers vs Kings live odds

76ers vs Kings opening odds

• Spread: Philadelphia +7 | Sacramento -7
• Moneyline: Philadelphia +235 | Sacramento -290
• Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5

Odds courtesy of bet365

76ers vs Kings spread and Over/Under analysis

• The line here has remained rather stagnant, moving just one time down to 6.5 early Wednesday morning.
• The Sixers make up 73% of the bets and 84% of the money wagered on the spread.
• The total dropped a full two points late Tuesday night before recovering a bit back up to 224 some 10 hours later. It’s since shot back down 1.5 points.
• The Over has accounted for 69% of the tickets but just 33% of the handle.

76ers vs Kings trend

The Philadelphia 76ers have covered the 1Q Spread in 29 of their last 39 away games (+18.65 Units / 42% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Kings.

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