NBA
Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
SportsBoom previews the NBA matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center, on Tuesday, 28th January 2025. Teams have played more than half of the season, as All-Star break fast approaches and the playoff picture slowly taking shape. NBA fans are constantly assessing odds and predictions as they place bets on games and this game is not an exception. In this preview, we offer you best-value betting picks that are informed by match and team analysis and a review of historical matchups. Explore our NBA betting insights and place your wager on leading NBA betting sites.
LeBron James//Getty Images
Kick Off Time: 07.30 PM, ET
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Los Angeles Lakers will travel to Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia 76ers in their second meeting of the season, looking to complete the season sweep. The Lakers are in the midst of a decent season, despite blowing hot and cold. They are fifth on the sweatbath that is the Western Conference standings and will be hoping to put in a run of positive results to cement an automatic playoff berth, considering that teams are tightly packed. The Lakers are trying to maximize the LeBron/AD era with another championship and much of their success will be determined in the post-season if they eventually make it.
On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. The team is experiencing internal turmoil, with Superstar centre and former MVP, Joel Embiid, failing to galvanize his team to contending status. Much was expected from the 76ers after a remarkable roster rebuild during the past offseason. However, they flattered to deceive. Instead of being one of the favourites for the NBA Title, they are outside the playoff spots. The 76ers are in 11th on the Eastern Conference standings and they boast a dismal record of 15-27.
This fixture is usually one of the best of the season, with both teams coming from big markets that are historically basketball-crazy. Unfortunately, with superstars failing to take the court, fans are left with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Los Angeles Lakers: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.7%
Philadelphia 76ers: 5/7 (1.71) – 58.3%
Forecast Odds – Betting available on Stake closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers have played 292 games in the regular season with 148 victories for the Lakers and 144 for the 76ers. In the playoffs, they have played each other 34 times, with the Lakers claiming 20 victories to the 76ers’ 14.
In their last five historical matchups, the Lakers have claimed two victories while the 76ers have claimed three.
LAST FIVE MATCHES
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2024/2025 | November 8th 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 116-106 Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2023/2024 | March 22nd 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 101-94 Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2023/2024 | November 27th2023 | Philadelphia 76ers 138-94 Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2022/2023 | January 15th 2023 | Los Angeles Lakers 112-113 Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2022/2023 | December 9th 2022 | Philadelphia 76ers 133-122 Los Angeles Lakers {Overtime] |
HOW IS THE SEASON SO FAR FOR BOTH TEAMS?
Los Angeles Lakers: Current Form – WLWWL
- Overall Record: 23-18
- Home Record: 15-6
- Away Record: 8-12
The Los Angeles Lakers are having a relatively good season, far from what many expected at the beginning of the season, considering that the Western Conference is a Juggernaut. They have been jostling between third place and tenth in the standings for much of the season, with teams crammed up and separated by a few games.
The Lakers have already improved their wing positions and will be expected to be active before the February 6th trade deadline, as will preferably be on the lookout for another frontcourt player.
Head coach, JJ Redick, had brought a fast-paced offense that has revitalized the roster and with long-term injury absentees returning from injuries, they may make a few noises in the beastly Western Conference.
LeBron James continues to defy father time, despite turning 40 years old last month. On the other hand, Anthony Davis is playing at an All-NBA level, leading the team in points per game, rebounds, blocks and steals. Austin Reaves has settled as the starting point guard and Rui Hachimura is finally back at his best.
The Lakers have been quietly going about their business and are 5th in the Western Conference standings. If they sort out their chemistry and turnover issues, they are guaranteed to be a problem due to the championship experience on their roster.
The Lakers will be looking to pile more misery on the 76ers after overcoming them 116-106 earlier in the season at the Crypto.com Arena.
Key Players to Watch
- LeBron James: LeBron James is still one of the best players in the NBA despite turning 40 years old. King James leads the Lakers in assists and can take over the game whenever he sees fit. LeBron registered his 114th career triple-double in their previous match-up earlier in the season and may be motivated to put on one of his virtuoso performances.
- Anthony Davis: Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP level this season. He is one of the most dominant big men in the NBA and a defensive monster. The “Brow” will have wreaked havoc in the paint, given that the 76ers may be without some of their Centers in this match-up.
- Austin Reaves: Austin Reaves has finally settled as the point guard after playing shooting guard since his rookie season. The “White Mamba’s” playmaking has vastly improved and his defensive game continues to grow. Reaves is tasked with pacing the game, an element that is crucial in JJ Redick’s system.
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
Jalen Hood-Schifino's strained left hamstring will be evaluated and Christian Wood is yet to make an appearance this season, with no timeline confirmed. He continues with his recovery from the left knee surgery that he underwent in September.
Philadelphia 76ers: Current Form – LLLLL
- Overall Record: 15-27
- Home Record: 6-13
- Away Record: 9-14
Things have rapidly fallen out of place for the Philadelphia 76ers, after been taunted as one of the favourites to take home the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in June. Their franchise player and former MVP, Joel Embiid, has barely logged in consistent minutes, with his decision not to play back-to-back games after returning from injury, garnering a lot of criticism from both fans and his teammates.
The habitats of the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ are renowned for their passionate support of committed sports teams. However, the current version of the 76ers has irked them to the brink of physical and mental torture. The 76ers have lost 13 games on their home court and it's common for fans to ring boos, showcasing their displeasure with the basketball product on show.
Most of the pieces that were expected to take the team to the next level appear to be lost in limbo. Elite two-way superstar Paul George has massively regressed after joining the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason. The 34-year-old is posting career lows across almost all his stat-line and his guaranteed 4-year $211,584,940 contract seems to be one of the worst decisions in the franchise’s history.
Injuries have also plagued the team and head coach Nick Nurse, often cuts a dejected figure on the touchline. The organization is considering sitting Embiid for the entirety of the season and one can guarantee the occurrence of massive changes at the end of the season.
Anthony Davis and Kyle Lowry//Getty Images
Key Players to Watch
- Tyrese Maxey: Tyrese Maxey is the future of the 76ers. Maxey plays fearless and is beloved by the City of Philadelphia for his never-say attitude. After beginning the season injured, Maxey has returned a man possessed. His game has taken a massive leap and he is leading the team in points, assists and steals. Maxey is averaging 26.4 points per game, 5.9 assists and 2.0 steals.
- Paul George: Paul George has failed to elevate the 76ers into title contenders after much fan-fare surrounded his free agent arrival in Philadelphia. He has faced a lot of criticism for hosting podcast episodes that outnumber his team’s wins for the season. However, George is a walking bucket and can light up for a career night if he deems fit.
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: Kelly Oubre Jr. is the biggest beneficiary of Jared McCain's season-ending knee injury. Oubre Jr. can be frustrating to watch at times but at least he provides solid numbers. He is known for his lack of concentration and defensive solidity, although he can have streaky shooting episodes.
Philadelphia 76ers Team News
Joel Embiid may fail to suit up due to his swelling knee and fitness concerns. Jared McCain is ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry will have their hips re-evaluated and may be absentees for this game.
Andre Drummond may be sidelined after suffering discomfort in his toe while there is no clear timetable for KJ Martin’s return from his injury.
Predicted Line-Ups
Philadelphia 76ers Line-up
- Point Guard: Tyrese Maxey
- Shooting Guard: Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Small Forward: Paul George
- Power Forward: Caleb Martin
- Center: Andre Drummond
Los Angeles Lakers Line-up
- Point Guard: Austin Reaves
- Shooting Guard: Max Christie
- Small Forward: LeBron James
- Power Forward: Rui Hachimura
- Center: Anthony Davis
Suggested Bets
LA Lakers to Win: Despite the 76ers playing at home, various factors favour the Lakers to win this game. The hosts are grappling with injuries, which have greatly affected their performance, and the Lakers have shaped up in their most recent games, registering a higher win-than-loss record.
Lakers to Cover Spread: Although the precise point spread was unavailable at the time of writing, the Lakers have an impressive recent form and have previously secured a win over the 76ers in a recent matchup. Therefore, the Los Angeles franchise has a better chance to cover the spread.
Over 218.5 points: In home games, the 76ers tend to score higher, leading to high-point games. With the Lakers also covering averagely high points, the game is likely to assume a total of at least 220 points.
Value Bets
Player performance and availability of these players may vary closer to the event.
Lebron James – Over 5.5 Rebounds: This season, Lebron has averaged 7.5 rebounds per game, therefore, this pick is an achievable output.
Anthony Davis – Over 20.5 Points: As a consistent offensive influencer of the Lakers, averaging 25 points per game, Anthony Davis will achieve this score, if he appears on the line-up.
T. Maxey – Over 22.5 Points: This exceptional performer of the 76ers has an impressive scoring form, hence betting on this pick, if available, is a reasonable option.
Prediction: LA Lakers to Win
The selection of the LA Lakers to secure victory in this game is informed by their positive recent form and the 76ers injuries. However, this game is likely to be tightly contested since the Philadelphia 76ers will have a home-court advantage. Whether you're backing the Lakers or the 76ers, make sure to choose from reputable betting sites to get the most out of your wagers.
Ian Mugo Wanyeki is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a sports enthusiast with vast knowledge of different sport disciplines. Ian is a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kenyatta University. He is a Kenyan journalist who’s worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, as a sports reporter at NTV and as a Sports Correspondent/contributor at Quartz Africa.
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