Sixers-Kings 5 Things: Court Dry and Ready to Go

The Sixers (17-29) close out their latest back-to-back set when they host the Sacramento Kings (19-28) at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday night (6 p.m./CSN, CSNPhilly.com and the NBC Sports app).

Let's take a closer look at the matchup:

1. Makeup time
Let's try this again.

The Sixers were supposed to be finished their season series with the Kings by this point. However, the first meeting between the two teams, which was originally scheduled for Nov. 30, was postponed after moisture was discovered on the court prior to tipoff.

Arena staffers -- and even players such as Kings All-Star DeMarcus Cousins -- attempted to clean up the surface to no avail.

"We know this is a tremendous inconvenience for the fans," Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil said to reporters at the time (see story). "I certainly apologize on behalf of the organization."

The teams were able to work out a date to reschedule the game as the Kings are near the end of what is now an eight-game road trip.

2. Disappearing defense
Even on tired legs, the Kings likely won't have trouble putting up points on the Sixers' suddenly non-existent defense.

The Sixers have allowed point totals of 110, 110, 109, 123 and 121 for an average of 114.6 over the last five games. The last of those efforts was a 121-108 loss to Chicago on Sunday when the Sixers let the Bulls shoot 50.6 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range.

"I thought we were really good and then we tied it at 81," Sixers head coach Brett Brown said (see story). "That's where our breakdowns started. Credit (Dwyane) Wade for his causing some of those with his scoring and defense."

There have been plenty of defensive breakdowns during this stretch as Joel Embiid has missed four of the five games with a sore left knee. And with the rookie big man questionable for Monday's matchup, things may not improve right away.

3. Back in business
With Embiid potentially sidelined again and the Sixers' defense suffering as a result, the team will likely continue to attempt to outscore its opponents. In that case, it's a good thing Ersan Ilyasova regained his touch after a one-game hiccup.

Ilyasova, who had scored in double figures in 25 straight games after being acquired by the Sixers, was held to just four points on 2-of-7 shooting in Friday's loss to the Houston Rockets.

The veteran forward responded with a season-high 31 points on Sunday night against the Bulls. He connected on 11 of 19 shots and added 11 rebounds in the loss.

Ilyasova will try to keep that momentum rolling against the Kings. He scored 17 points off the bench in the season's first meeting when the Sixers were handed a 102-100 loss on Dec. 26.

4. Injuries
Embiid (knee) is questionable. Ben Simmons (foot) and Jerryd Bayless (wrist) are out for the Sixers.

Omri Casspi (foot) is a game-time decision. Rudy Gay (Achilles) is out for the season for the Kings.

5. This and that
• The Sixers are trying to split the season series with the Kings for a fourth straight season.

• Cousins had 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the season's first matchup.

• The Sixers committed 22 turnovers, which led to 26 points in the previous meeting.