As the Lakers continue to rise in the West, they’ll continue their cross-country road trip in Philadelphia to take on an ailing 6ers team. With the Lakers on the second leg of a road back-to-back, this might be the perfect opportunity for Phillie to grab a much-needed victory. However, that’s never easy when facing off against LeBron James, with the game tipping off at 7:30 PM ET.
Paul George Out
Andre Drummond Out
Joel Embiid Out
Caleb Martin Out
Guerschon Yabusele Questionable
Kenyon Martin Jr. Out
Jared McCain Out for Season
Gabe Vincent Questionable
Rui Hachimura Questionable
Jalen Hood-Schifino Out
Christian Wood Out
The Lakers will be taking on a completely decimated 6ers team. The injuries have been the theme of the season for Philadelphia. Missing Paul George and Joel Embiid, they’ll be left with Tyrese Maxey to hold down the fort. Even though Maxey has had an elite January, scoring 28 a game, the odds are heavily stacked against him.
As long as LeBron and AD are playing in this game, they’ll have no trouble taking out the 6ers. The only hope this 6ers team will have will be the Lakers on a road back-to-back. If the Lakers come in with tired legs, then the 6ers may be able to run on them. However, it’ll still be a challenge, considering the pure skill difference in this game. With Drummond and Embiid sidelined tonight, Adem Bona, the rookie out of UCLA, will be the last remaining center. If so, the Lakers can attack the paint all night.
With the early line coming out lower than expected, take it if you see it. At only 3.5 points, that line feels very generous, considering the injury situation. The Lakers should take this game unless we have some late scratches from LeBron or AD. Even if the Lakers are without either of those guys, they should still have enough to take this game. The only fear I have is the 6ers shooting. If they can light it up from outside like they did against Cleveland, they could still manage to steal the game.
Money line: LAL (-175) / PHI (+145)
Total Points: 216
Spread: -3.5 LAL (-112) / +3.5 PHI (-108)
This is an easy take despite the Lakers being on the second night of a back-to-back. Go with the Lakers. They are on a 4-game win streak, and with the 6ers missing three starters. Considering the situation the 6ers are in, the line isn’t even that bad at -175 for the Lakers currently.
The cover is the best option tonight. Even with the 6ers missing a bulk of their team, Maxey can still score. The Lakers have also averaged around 114 points a game over the last five games. So the 6ers only need to get to around the 100-point mark, which they have only missed once in their previous 10 games.
This game will likely be closer than expected, as the Lakers are on a road back-to-back. However, the Lakers are still the stronger pick. A four-point victory is nothing in the NBA, so this might be stronger than the money line, considering the better odds.
Tyrese Maxey Over 29.5 Points (-115)
Maxey will have the ball in his hands almost all night. Going against a weak Lakers defensive backcourt, he’ll be able to attack all night. He’s been averaging 21 shot attempts per game in January, so there is no question he’ll have the opportunity. He just needs to make his shots. With five 30+ point games this month already, he could be in for another.
Anthony Davis Over 42.5 Combined Points + Rebounds (-125)
With a showcase night in Charlotte, Davis has been hot lately. Averaging 27 points and 13 rebounds in January, he’s coming off a 42 and 23 night. With most of Philadelphia's bigs already sidelined, the paint will be wide open for AD tonight. Expect another big game.
Kelly Oubre Jr Over 25.5 Combined Points + Rebounds (-120)
With the 6ers short-handed, Oubre has stepped up. They are putting up identical 22-point and 13-rebound stat lines over the last two games. He’ll likely have his number called again tonight with the team short-handed. Hitting the 26 number for combined P+R should be easy.
Austin Reaves Under 2.5 Made Threes (-125)
Reaves has been up and down on his three-pointer. Averaging just 2.5 made threes a game on the year; he hasn’t been lighting it up from deep. Considering he’ll be busy on defense tonight, and the Lakers offense will likely be exploiting the paint all night, Reaves will go under.