NBA Picks & Predictions: Lakers vs. 76ers (Tuesday)
While tonight’s NBA slate includes only four games, TNT still has an exciting doubleheader. I’ll examine both matchups and give my best bet for each. Here is my top pick and prediction for tonight’s NBA game Lakers vs. 76ers.
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets: Lakers vs. 76ers
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Lakers vs. 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have won two consecutive games despite Joel Embiid out of the lineup. The 76ers are still just 17-27 on the season and are probably a reach to make the playoffs at this point. While they’ve played better basketball as of late, it’s already been confirmed Paul George, Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin will miss tonight’s game with injuries.
On the other hand, the Lakers, 26-18, have bigger aspirations this season. Last night, Anthony Davis scored 42 points, and Los Angeles earned a hard-fought win against the Hornets, 112-107. Ultimately, the Lakers will be playing their second game of a back-to-back on the road, while the Sixers had two days off before today.
I still don’t think it matters. After all, the Lakers have shot a 55.1% effective field goal percentage this season and will take on a Philadelphia defense that has allowed teams to shoot a 56.8% effective field goal percentage. As long as the Lakers get quality looks, their shots will fall.
The Lakers are also the NBA’s best at getting to the foul line. Since the 76ers foul at an above-average rate, the Lakers can take advantage of this.
On the other hand, the 76ers rank second in the NBA in free-throw percentage. The issue is that the Lakers rank second in the nation in defensive free-throw percentage. The Lakers should win the foul-shooting battle on the road. They will also face a 76ers team that has shot just a 52.7% effective field goal percentage this year. The 76ers are not consistent. With many premier players out with injury, give me the Lakers at -4.5.
Pick: Lakers -4.5 (-105)