The Philadelphia 76ers will look to build on Saturday’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder when the Los Angeles Lakers come to South Philadelphia on Monday night.
The Lakers are, of course, led by LeBron James, who is currently sidelined with a left calf contusion. It’s worth noting, however, that James was also questionable for the Lakers’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, but ultimately played and scored 22 points in Los Angeles’ victory. James is still playing at an extremely high level, averaging 25.5 points per game, and will be a constant threat that the Sixers must work to mitigate.
Anthony Davis is currently listed as possible and will likely be tasked with trying to slow down Sixers star center Joel Embiid. Davis had a stellar 32-point, 13-rebound performance in the Lakers’ win on Saturday, while also adding two steals and three blocks. AD is having a stellar season so far on the defensive end, which will present a tough challenge for the NBA’s reigning MVP.
Trying to thwart the tandem of James and Davis will be the main challenge for the 76ers on Monday night.
Injuries may be the Lakers’ biggest weakness right now, and there will be a lengthy injury report on Monday night.
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Even if James and Davis play, Cam Reddish is still questionable, and Rui Hachimura, Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent all gave their best for the Lakers. James and Davis have a lot of responsibility.
On Monday night, the 76ers ranked 13th in the NBA in defensive rating (112.5), while the Lakers ranked ninth (110.7). The disparity is even greater on the offensive end. The 76ers currently rank third in offensive efficiency at 118.9, while the Lakers have dropped to 24th at 111.2.
Both teams will come away with a win on Monday night and hope to keep the momentum going in their direction. The 76ers and Lakers tip off at 7 p.m. ET.
Game details
Quinn: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
when: 7:00 p.m. EST
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
radio: 97.5 Fanatics
follow: @LibertyBallers