Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Miami Heat continue with their limited roster, as up to six players may miss this match.
• Despite their All-NBA trio, the Brooklyn Nets continue to struggle to find consistency.
• Can Kevin Durant get his Nets back on track against the stout defense of Bam Adebayo’s Heat?

Lakers vs 76ers Odds

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Lakers vs 76ers Predictions and Picks

This matchup between two of the best teams in the league will be difficult to pick. While both have their strengths, the Lakers’ defensive scheme may be the difference-maker between the two.

Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers to Win (-129)

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How to Watch Lakers vs 76ers

Head-to-Head: Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers

The Lakers Must Protect the Paint

Against a Sixers team that is versatile on offense, the Lakers need to find a way to stop Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons from finding success in the paint.

The First responsibility falls to Marc Gasol and Anthony Davis. The two are among the premiere defensive players in the league, and Gasol has had especially notable success guarding Joel Embiid.

By limiting the Sixers inside, the Lakers increase their odds of winning this game. Without success at the rim, the Sixers won’t be able to enact their vaunted three-point attack.

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Philly Must Work For Better Baskets

The Sixers are a team that are blessed to own two of the most attention-grabbing players in the league. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid create so many opportunities for their teammates, that their recent loss to the Pistons without Embiid showed that they may be a bit dependent.

With Embiid out three of the Sixers’ starters scored in the single digits, while Ben Simmons only had 11 points in his foul-ridden night.

The Sixers have a number of good shooters,

Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James

That shot shouldn’t be possible, @KingJames.

(?: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/lrVGJb4D04

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2021

Without doubt one of the best players in the NBA, LeBron James is a big reason why oddsmakers favor a team or not. In his last game against the Cavaliers, James showed that he still has superstar-worthy performances in him – even at 36.

James put up 46 points, eight rebounds, six assists, as well as two blocks, and two steals. James’ vintage performance was seemingly spurred by a fan’s heckling, resulting in James scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter alone.

James is seemingly beyond the point where he will put up 30-plus points games every night, now focusing on being a playmaker. But a more selfish approach from James could be beneficial against a threatening Sixers squad.

Sixers Key Player: (F) Tobias Harris

.@tobias31 taking it coast to coast.

+ 1.

? @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/5nSZ9nBg71

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2021

It’s easy to overlook Tobias Harris, as much of the Sixers’ praise surrounds Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. A veteran and versatile scorer, Harris will be crucial in this match against the Lakers.

Harris was the lone bright spot for the Sixers in their loss to the Pistons. He was 10 of 19 from the field for 25 points on the match.

Harris’ size is an issue for most players guarding him. With Embiid’s status up in the air for this match, Harris will again be leaned on to provide scoring for Philly.