This NBA weeks starts off with a bang, as Lebron and Embiid go head-to-head Monday when the Lakers visit Philadelphia. The 76ers currently sit 4th in the East, as they were overtaken yesterday by surprise team Orlando. However, they can move back up to joint-second with a victory over the Lakers tonight. On the other hand, LA are 7th place in the West, but one game away from catching up to Dallas. The Lakers have had a mixed start to the season, which has however begun much better then last year’s, when they found themselves 2-10 at this point. The Lakers have also hit form at the right time, winning 7 of their last 9 games.
The 76ers had a hot start to the season, winning 8 straight games. Since then they’ve slightly dipped, losing 4 of their last 7 matches. This is an important match for Philly, who then travel to New Orleans and Boston, two majorly difficult sides to beat at home. The matchup between Davis and Embiid will be the catalyst, as well as Reaves’s ability to limit Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has been on fire, cementing himself as the team’s second star after Harden’s departure, and is averaging 26 points. Philadelphia lost their last 3 games at home: will the Lakers be able to take advantage of their domestic dip?
This is a tough matchup to call: Lebron has been insanely good for his age, but will the current MVP manage to overcome him tonight? We give the 76ers the slight edge here, simply for the fact that the Lakers have now been great away. However, don’t count out the defensive acumen that Davis brings to the game. If AD gets hot, he may impact the offensive as well as the defensive side in a majorly positive way for the Lakers. The only question is which AD will show up, as he has once again shown his inconsistencies this season. As Lebron and Embiid go at it, it might be the other stars that’ll decide this game: who’ll shine brightest?
Philadelphia to Win – 1.52
Lakers to Win – 2.60
