Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview: Odds, Picks, and Props
Lakers vs. 76ers Odds
| Lakers Odds | +3 |
| 76ers Odds | -3 |
| Over/Under | 218 |
| Date | Thursday, Jan. 27 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
UPDATE: LeBron James is now OUT for tonight.
On Thursday evening, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to the Wells Fargo Center to take on Joel Embiid and the surging Philadelphia 76ers. Entering play, the Lakers remain buried in the 9th spot in the Western Conference playoff picture. The 76ers have won 12 of their last 15 contests to pull within 2.5 games of the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Oddsmakers are anticipating a tightly-contested affair between these two teams tonight, pricing Philadelphia as 3-point home favorites on the spread at online sportsbooks.
Los Angeles Lakers
Following three months of injuries and COVID-19 related absences, the Lakers are at full strength for the first time since October. Earlier this week, Anthony Davis returned to the floor for his first action since December 17. Davis contributed 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 25 minutes in a winning effort against the short-handed Brooklyn Nets. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook combined for 48 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in that game, shooting a healthy 21-for-35 from the field.
Still, James, Davis, and Westbrook have yet to prove that their big names can co-exist in a productive manner on the floor. Per Cleaning the Glass, in 636 possessions when on the floor together this season–the Lakers rank in only the 51st percentile in offensive efficiency and the 79th percentile in defensive efficiency. Last year, when James and Davis shared the court, Los Angeles ranked in the 79th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 98th percentile in defensive efficiency. Considering that last year’s Lakers’ team was bounced in the opening round of the postseason, it is doubtful that many opponents are fearful of the capabilities of the current Lakers’ roster.
Philadelphia 76ers
There is nobody playing better than Joel Embiid in the NBA right now. Per EdgHouse, since December 26, Embiid has scored 31 points or more in 14-of-15 games played, and he is currently riding a streak of four straight contests with at least 38 points. In that stretch, the 76ers rank 2nd in the NBA in Net Rating, having outscored their opponents by 8.9 points per 100 possessions. Philadelphia leads the league in offensive efficiency in that timeframe, and is 7th in defensive efficiency.
Picks and Prediction
Philadelphia is favored in this contest for a reason. Factor in that LeBron James is now listed as questionable for this evening, and a clear lean emerges for bettors. The 76ers are capable of covering this spread at home against a Lakers team that is yet to live up to its preseason expectations.
- Pick: Philadelphia Sixers -4
Lakers vs. 76ers Props
If looking to attack the player prop market in this one instead of trusting a struggling Golden State team on the road, there is value to be found on a couple of players. Here are two of my favorite NBA props at Underdog today.
Check out our Underdog Fantasy review for more info.
Joel Embiid u44.5 points + rebounds (-102)
Joel Embiid has been the most impressive player in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2022, but this number is simply too high. Embiid’s tear has come mostly against inferior competition. While the Lakers certainly are not the creme-de-la-creme, they are better than most of Philadelphia’s recent opponents. Embiid could have another outstanding game, and still hit the under in this spot.
LeBron James u7.5 rebounds (+100)
As a team, the Lakers simply do not rebound the basketball well. Over their last 15 contests, Los Angels ranks only 23rd in rebounding percentage. Facing a Philadelphia unit that ranks in the top half of the league in rebounding is not likely to yield an abundance of opportunities for anyone on the glass–James included. Take the under.
Image Credit: Imagn