The Los Angeles Lakers could be reaching panic mode soon. The team was hoping to be among the main contenders in the Western Conference this season but a significant injury to LeBron James has resulted in a drop down the standings. The Lakers are not currently on track to make the playoffs and are desperately aiming to remain afloat until James gets back on the court.
He is getting closer but it is unknown if the superstar forward will be available in this week’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Los Angeles is the home team but Philly has the superior talent and will likely be the road favorite if James cannot play.
Things are getting dicey for the Lakers, who could really use a victory in this matchup in NBA odds.
This NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 29th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
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Odds Analysis
The 76ers have a record of 32-18 on the season. They are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference and are pushing for one of the best seeds heading into the playoffs. Philadelphia has been subpar on the road this season with 11 wins in 24 games.
The Lakers are down to 26-24 this season, which is a couple of games out of the final playoff spots. Los Angeles has gone 16-11 at home but most of those victories came because of James. The Lakers broke a three-game losing streak with a victory over the lowly Suns last time out.
Injury Report
James is progressing in his rehab but has still not been cleared to play after injuring his groin on Christmas Day against the Warriors. The Lakers won that game and were feeling good about themselves but have since fallen apart without James. It doesn’t seem like he will play in this one but double check that because his presence would obviously have a large effect on the odds.
Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is also dealing with an injury, as a hip ailment has kept him out for a decent stretch. Kuzma didn’t play on Sunday against the Suns and if he can’t go it is another blow in the Lakers’ ability to capture this contest.
Philadelphia small forward Jimmy Butler has missed the past three games with a sprained right wrist but is expected to return against the Lakers. That’s a big boost if it happens because he is an All-Star caliber player who has given the 76ers a boost since getting acquired via trade early in the season.
Philly big man Joel Embiid rested last time out but should be good to go in this one. He has been dealing with some back issues recently but has been playing through them.
Trade Speculation
There are rumors that the Lakers are willing to trade Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kuzma in order to land a superstar to complement James. The team is struggling without him and even when James was playing, the Lakers did not look like a true championship contender.
Keep an eye on any trade reports before this game. If anyone gets dealt it could have an effect on the odds, and even the rumors could play a role as the trio of players have to deal with that and still try to focus on the task at hand.
Free NBA ATS Picks
There is a lot of turmoil going on in Lakers land right now. If the 76ers have both Embiid and Butler, there isn’t much reason to believe they will blow this game. Los Angeles is having its issues without James, and look for that to continue as he is unlikely to suit up in this one.
The 76ers could use every road win it can get and this will be an easy ‘W’ against a reeling Los Angeles squad in NBA wagering.
NBA ATS Pick: Philadelphia 76ers 120, Los Angeles Lakers 111
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