A short-handed Los Angeles Lakers outfit will have to play out of their skin if they intend to stop Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers from beating them for the second time this season.
The last time these two sides squared off, the 76ers pulled off a 133-122 win in overtime. Anthony Davis (31 points), LeBron James (28 points), and Austin Reaves (25 points) chipped in with handy performances, but it wasn’t enough to stave off Embiid and De’Anthony Melton who took Philadelphia across the finish line.
Now, the Lakers will have to face the same squad again without Davis, Reaves, and Lonnie Walker IV. The hopes will rest heavily on the in-form James who has been the driving force for the team.
The bigger challenge of stopping Embiid, who has been having an MVP-caliber season will be on Thomas Bryant and Wenyen Gabriel, both of whom have done a decent job in Davis’ absence. Bryant has been instrumental for LA averaging 16.8 points, and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 64.8% from the field, and has been one of their offensive weapons.
Then comes that part of LeBron and the rest of the team drilling their three-pointers. The former has been shooting poorly from beyond the arc (his 28.5% is the lowest in his career since his 29.0% when he was in his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers).
On that note, here’s a look at the projected starters, the injury report from both camps, and the prediction ahead of the marquee clash.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers will be without the services of Anthony Davis. The big man has been out of action after sustaining a stress fracture against the Denver Nuggets. Recent reports say that he has ramped up his half-court work, and is set to return in a couple of weeks.
Austin Reaves (hamstring) and Lonnie Walker IV (knee) will be missing out as well, while Patrick Beverley (illness) has been listed as questionable. Per ESPN’s updated injury report, James has been listed as probable, but he will suit up in all likelihood.
Dennis Schroder (G), Max Christie (G), Troy Brown Jr. (F), LeBron James (F), and Thomas Bryant (C) might be the starting five for LA.
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Sixers missed the services of Tobias Harris against the Utah Jazz with a knee injury and the star is likely to sit out of the contest against the Lakers as well. The remainder of the roster is set to take the floor.
Tyrese Maxey (G), James Harden (G), De’Anthony Melton (F), P.J. Tucker (F), and Joel Embiid are likely to be the starters for the visitors.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Predictions
The 76ers are well-placed in the East with a 26-16 record. They’re fifth in the standings at the time of writing and will head into this contest as favorites. The Lakers are yet to break into the Top 10 and haven’t hit the .500 mark so far this season with a 19-23 record. While the win doesn’t put them at that level, it does bring them to 20 wins.
The Purple and Gold will need to play a near-perfect game if they plan to emerge victorious. From winning transitions, avoiding turnovers, and committing fewer fouls, along with containing Embiid and Harden, they have their work cut out of them, not to forget, giving James the much-needed support on the offensive front.
As far as season averages go, the Lakers are better than the Sixers notching up 116.6 points when compared to Philly’s 113.8. However, their offense will need to step up significantly if they stand a chance of winning this contest. Expect Philadelphia to walk away with a win.
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