Lakers vs 76ers Prediction & Odds: Sixers, Embiid Look To Keep Rolling

The Philadelphia 76ers (28-19 SU, 24-23 ATS) host the Los Angeles Lakers (24-24, 20-28) on Thursday at Wells Fargo Center in their first meeting of the season. The 76ers are 5-2 in their last seven games while the Lakers are 3-2 in their last five. Find out which team has the edge in our Lakers vs 76ers prediction.

Lakers vs 76ers Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Sixers opened as a slight home favorite, getting a 2-point edge over the visiting Lakers. The total was set at 217.5 points with the UNDER going 5-2 in the last seven meetings. Philadelphia is 7-3 in its last 10 games against Los Angeles, which may sway you in your Lakers vs 76ers prediction.

Get the best Lakers vs 76ers odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

LeBron Keeps Scoring As Davis Makes His Return

The Lakers beat a short-handed Brooklyn Nets squad 106-96 in their last outing on Tuesday as LeBron James scored 33 points and Malik Monk dropped 22 in just 28 minutes off the bench. James Harden scored 33 points for Brooklyn, which played without both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Anthony Davis also made his return on Tuesday, scoring eight points in 25 minutes in his first game since December 17. Los Angeles went 8-10 without Davis, so the star forward will obviously be a welcome addition to a stagnant Lakers team.

Davis (knee) is probable for Thursday’s matchup.

76ers, Embiid On A Tear Since Christmas

The 76ers won their second straight game with a 117-107 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Joel Embiid (42 points, 14 rebounds) and Tobias Harris (33 points, 11 rebounds) were the difference-makers for Philadelphia while Nickeil Alexander-Walker led New Orleans with 31 points.

The Sixers have finally picked up some steam over the past month, winning 12 of 15 games since Boxing Day. A huge part of that success has been thanks to Embiid, who has led the team in scoring in each of those games while finishing as the top rebounder 11 times. The 2020-21 runner-up in MVP voting is averaging 33.3 points per game over his last 19 appearances, perhaps making his case for this year’s award.

Seth Curry (ankle) and Shake Milton (back) are out while Danny Green (hip) is questionable.

Lakers vs 76ers Pick & Insights

Lakers: Keys To Cover

While the return of Davis will be a huge boost down the stretch, he’ll likely be on limited minutes for the time being as he gets his legs back. It’ll be up to James to have another big performance if the Lakers are going to win. If Russell Westbrook – who’s shooting under 37 percent from the field over his last 10 games – can get back on track, that’ll help too.

76ers: Keys To Cover

Just as the Lakers live and die by James, the 76ers live and die by Embiid. Both players have been on a tear recently, but Embiid has had a lot more support. Harris is averaging 19.1 points over his last 10 contests while team defense has also been stout, surrendering just 104.2 points per game over that span. If the Sixers can keep things tight in their half, they should be in good shape.

Odds Shark’s Computer Lakers vs 76ers Prediction: 76ers -2.5

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