The Los Angeles Lakers are still undefeated on the road this season, and that’s a streak the Philadelphia 76ers have the opportunity to snap when they host the Purple and Gold at home.

Catch this game live on Thursday, January 28, at 8:30, Manila time

HOME TEAM: Philadelphia 76ers (12-6, 9-1 at home)

The Sixers got tripped up by the Detroit Pistons during a 119-104 road loss. Philly entered that game on a three-game unbeaten streak, but could not keep it going without Joel Embiid.

The Sixers’ big man sat out that game with a back issue, but is expected to be available to face the Lakers. Embiid can give Anthony Davis all the Lakers’ biggie could handle down low. Embiid is averaging 27.7 points on 55.4 FG% Embiid is the most lethal post operator in the NBA right now, and it’s not even close.

Embiid is leading the NBA with 8.8 points per game on post-ups. Just to mess with the Lakers’ defense, Embiid can also take his game outside.

After all, he is shooting an unfair 40.5 3FG%.  The Sixers also score a ton of points on the break, and they are doing it by forcing turnovers. Philadelphia is averaging 16.2 fastbreak points per game (2nd) and fifth in steals per contest (8.9). 

Embiid and company are tough to beat in the City of Brotherly Love, as evidenced by their 9-1 straight-up and 7-3 against the spread records at home this season.

ROAD TEAM: Los Angeles Lakers (14-4, 10-0 on the road)

You come at the King, you best not miss. LeBron James, after seeing a Cleveland Cavaliers front office member heckle him, exploded for 21 points in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ 115-108 road win in The Land last Tuesday.

LeBron finished with 46 points, eight rebounds, and eight six assists to help the Lakers sustain their undefeated streak on the road. The Lakers, who have won all of their past three games, are sporting a clean 10-0 straight-up record as a road team, so far this season. Not only that, but they are also 7-3 against the spread in those games.

There’s something about the Lakers when they’re away from Tinseltown, though, at the end of the day, they are playing great regardless of location largely because of LeBron and Anthony Davis. James is averaging 25.2 points on 49.7 FG% this season, and he’s also shooting 41.2% from deep.

LeBron hit seven 3-pointers against the Cavs and he could still be feeling it when he steps on the court this Thursday against a Sixers’ defense that’s playing mediocre perimeter defense.

Philly is only 18th in the NBA with teams shooting 37.1 3FG% against them this season.

PREDICTIONS:

The Lakers are playing great on both ends of the floor, as they rank both inside the Top 6 in offensive and defensive efficiency. That balance in their game will continue to manifest this Thursday, as they beat the Sixers, 117-113.