The rejuvenated Los Angeles Lakers are aiming to win consecutive wins for the fiorst time in two weeks, as they travel to the City of Brotherly Love to face off with Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Who notches a win this Friday?

Catch this game live on Friday, January 28, at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

Away: Los Angeles Lakers (24-24/9-12 on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Russell Westbrook
  • SG: Avery Bradley
  • SF: LeBron James
  • PF: Anthony Davis
  • C: Dwight Howard

It’s fun times again in La La Land. The return of Anthony Davis has certainly given the Lakers a much-needed boost in their play on the court and to the overall morale of the team. After missing 17 games in a row due to a sprained left knee, AD saw action for the first time this year and scored eight points in 25 minutes during Wednesday’s 106-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets. While Davis’ production in that game was way below his season average of 22.8 points, it’s just a matter of time before he starts putting up his typical numbers again.

Just his presence alone against the Nets was enough to rejuvenate his teammates, with LeBron James scoring 33 points and Malik Monk coming off the bench to produce 22 more for the Lakers, who are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games. It’s also timely for the Lakers to get Davis back, as he’ll be an especially valuable asset for Los Angeles this Friday against Joel Embiid. James will also look to extend his incredible 18-game streak of at least 26 points. The total has hit the Over in seven of LA’s past 10 games.

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Home: Philadelphia 76ers (28-19/11-10 at home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Tyrese Maxey
  • SG: Furkan Korkmaz
  • SF: Danny Green (questionable)
  • PF: Tobias Harris
  • C: Joel Embiid

With the form Joel Embiid is in this season, it might not matter if the Lakers have Davis back. Embiid is coming off yet another monster performance, exploding for 42 points on 24/24 shooting from the field and 18/20 from the charity stripe with 14 rebounds and four blocks in the Sixers’ 117-107 home win versus the New Orleans Pelicans last Wednesday. Over his last 10 games, Embiid has averaged 35.2 points on 54.4 FG% and 11.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. 

Considering the state of LA’s defense, Embiid should be able to dominate again this Friday. The Lakers are just 27th in the NBA with 112.3 points allowed per game and 17th in adjusted defensive rating. And it’s not just Embiid that’s going to heavily test the mettle of LA’s defense, as Tobias Harris is also on a roll. Harris just scored 33 points in the Pelicans game and is now averaging 18.9 points on 50.6 FG% this month. The Sixers have covered the spread in nine of their last 13 games overall.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: Is it time to trust the Lakers again, now that AD is back? The Lakers are in the middle of a lengthy road trip, but the Sixers are also coming off a game away from Philly. Ride the Lakers (+2.5) against the Sixers, who are just 8-13 ATS at home this season.

Over/Under: This could be a back-and-forth battle up to the last minute. Taking the Under (219) here.

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