Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers: 3 Players to watch on Thursday night

Joel Embiid

Without a doubt, the most must-see player in a game loaded with young talent in 76ers big man, Joel Embiid. So far this season, Embiid has been able to stay healthy and we have seen him tear up the NBA. While Embiid showed a lot of glimpses of what he could be, health has always been a problem for him.

So far this season Embiid is averaging 23.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Against the Lakers earlier in the season, Embiid was able to make a statement. In the win, Embiid totaled 46 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and seven blocks.

The Lakers had no answer for Embiid in that game, as they foolishly tried to use Julius Randle on him down the stretch. Even though he didn’t play much, Andrew Bogut was the best option defensively for the Lakers against Embiid.

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While, Bogut barely plays in the Lakers’ rotation, they would be wise to use him against Embiid as much as possible on Thursday. Since Brook Lopez has been struggling, minutes have been there for players off the bench. Instead of going small against Embiid, Luke Walton should use Bogut on him for at least half the time that Embiid is on the court. Even though Embiid can still do damage against Bogut, hopefully, that damage is limited.