If the Sixers are one of the NBA's more talented teams, they are also one of the teams that need to figure out the dirty side of basketball.

Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid saved the 76ers from another embarrassing loss. But for a while, the on-court action was secondary because of a report that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to play with Maxey.

Tyrese Maxey reacts to his game-winning shot to lift the Philadelphia 76ers over the Sacramento Kings at home.

All day Thursday, the Sixers' messaging was clear: they could not take a perceived easy matchup against Sacramento lightly. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid certainly did not.

Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points, including the winning layup with 1.3 seconds remaining, Joel Embiid had 37 points and the Philadelphia 76ers rallied to edge the Sacramento Kings 113-111.

When the Sacramento Kings (12-36) come to Philadelphia on Thursday, they will visit a Sixers (25-21) team that appears to be mostly healthy.

The Philadelphia 76ers will play host to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday looking to move things in the righ direction.

SportsLine's model reveals its Sacramento Kings vs. Philadelphia 76ers picks for their Thursday night matchup