The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Philadelphia 76ers on the national stage on Wednesday night in one of the Lakers’ most compelling games thus far this season. The two conference leaders square off with the 76ers owning a 9-1 home record and the Lakers owning a 10-0 road record.
The parallels do not stop there. The Lakers and 76ers also have the two frontrunners for the MVP award in LeBron James and Joel Embiid. This game is also being played one day after the one-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing.
Bryant grew up in Philly and it was this time last year that LeBron James passed Kobe in the all-time scoring list in Philly. The game is televised on ESPN and is as can’t-miss as an NBA game can be in January.
I previewed the matchup in the latest episode of the Lake Show Life Podcast with the guys over at Sixers Sense. You can check out that episode below.
As part of the podcast, I have been picking both against the spread and against the point total for every Laker game this season. The lines were not yet released at the time of recording, so they will come to you here, in written form.
According to the Bet MGM odds on The Action Network, the Lakers are 4.5-point favorites on the road with the point total set at 221.5. Not to brag, but I nailed the Lakers’ last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
I had the Cavaliers covering 11.5 points with over 213.5. I predicted the Lakers would win 112-104, they won 115-108. Again, not to brag, but I am now 8-0 in the Lakers’ last four games. RED HOT.
Betting picks for Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers:
- Philadelphia 76ers +4.5, over 221.5 (Final score: Philadelphia 76ers 115, Los Angeles Lakers 114)
Yes, I have the Los Angeles Lakers losing this game. I would love to pick the Lakers to win every single game but that just is not realistic. I used my betting model for this game and it spit out the 76ers winning 115 to 114, so I am going to ride with that.
While I obviously won’t be surprised if the Lakers win, I do think this is a one-possession game either way. Four and a half points are a lot to get in a road game against a team that is 9-1 at home. Yes, the Lakers are 10-0, but statistically speaking, that has to end sometime.
This is the classic case of two teams being equal. The Lakers have more talent but the 76ers are a really tough matchup for any team and have the home-court advantage. When you have a level playing field like this, take the points.
I currently have a 19-13 record on the season. The best-case scenario is that the Lakers win by four or less and I can extend my winning streak to 10 bets.