Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Improved but vulnerable Lakers take on tough 76ers

The NBA midseason is on and what a terrific season we have witnessed thus far. This is also a window where we witness a bunch of trades which means that teams may be busy around the trade deadline which is less than a month away. In this NBA Regular Season game, the LA Lakers are going to take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Lakers come into this game after losing 115:119 against the Mavericks despite a 28 points performance by Russell Westbrook. Luka Doncic made the game-tying shot and once again the Lakers crumbled from beyond the arc, shooting below 30%. They are dead-last in made three-pointers and LeBron has also shot poorly from there. The Lakers have lost two in a row and they now have 23 losses and 19 wins.

Despite their long-range woes, the Lakers had a strong window where they scored 120+ in four of the five games. LeBron is chasing Kareem, Westbrook has elevated his play each month whereas Thomas Bryant has been a revelation. The injury to Lonnie Walker IV has hurt the balance but the bigger problem has been the absence of Anthony Davis and he is still some days away from returning.

The 76ers come into this game after defeating the Utah Jazz 118:117 as James Harden had a spectacular 31 points and 11 assists outing by James Harden. Embiid made a stepback jumper to seal deal with around five seconds left in what was a back-and-forth affair in the second half. The 76ers have won three out of their last four games and they have an impressive record with 26 wins and 16 losses.

James Harden has been his usual self, dishing a bunch of assists while doing his offensive duties too. Joel Embiid has been a great presence in the middle and continues to provide sizeable advantage. Tyrese Maxey has been a prominent scorer whereas Tobias Harris brings brilliant balance. The bench has issues but it is defensive-orineted with De’Anthony Melton leading the charge.

• Lakers: OUT: Anthony Davis, Lonnie Walker IV, Austin Reaves. Game-Time Decisions: Patrick Beverley, LeBron James;
• 76ers: Game-Time Decision: Tobias Harris

• Expected Leading Scorers: LeBron James (30-36 Points)- QUES, James Harden(26-33 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Joel Embiid(11-15 Rebounds), Thomas Bryant(10-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: James Harden(9-12 Assists), Russell Westbrook(9-11 Assists).

The 76ers played last night and that too away from home which means that they would be exhausted after a close game and travelling soon after. The Lakers have had a two-day rest and they will be fresher compared to Philadelphia. However, the difference in the depth can be decisive and the Lakers will need LeBron James to be ready for the game. I believe the Lakers will be up for a big night and I predict a scoreline of 119:114 in favor of LA.