Lakers vs 76ers Odds and Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers are a 2-point road favorite over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday (Jan. 27th, 7:40 pm EST)
• LA is an NBA-best 14-4, while Philly sits on top of the East at 12-6
• See below for analysis, odds and a betting prediction

Two of the NBA’s signature teams clash on Wednesday night (Jan. 27th, 7:40 pm EST), as the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Philadelphia 76ers. LA enters play with an NBA-best 14-4 record, while Philly sits on top the East standings with a 12-6 mark.

The reigning champs have won three in a row, and eight of their last nine, and opened up as a small favorite.

Lakers vs 76ers Odds

Odds taken Jan. 26th at FanDuel.

LA is currently a slim 2-point road favorite, as it looks to remain perfect against Eastern Conference clubs. The Lakers began their current seven-game road trip by knocking off Milwaukee and Chicago, before rallying to beat Cleveland on Monday night.

LeBron Leads LA to Another Victory

The victory over the Cavs was fuelled by another signature performance from LeBron James. The King poured in 46 points, including 21 in the final quarter, while adding 8 boards, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals against his former club.

👑 Season-high 46 PTS, 7 3PM
👑 21 PTS in the 4th
👑 19-26 FGM (9-10 in 4th)@KingJames caught fire in Cleveland! pic.twitter.com/dgrFY0Hm7K

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2021

In the process, LeBron became the oldest Laker since Kobe Bryant to score 40 points in a game, which is fitting given the one-year anniversary of Bryant’s tragic death was the very next day. Now, LA lands in Philadelphia, Bryant’s hometown, two days later which could give the champs a little extra motivation.

Kobe on his biggest athlete inspiration, Michael Jordan, and the evolution of LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/SIBHLqpDGu

— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) January 26, 2021

The Lakers will enter this game as the league’s number one defensive team, as they’ve held seven of their last eight opponents to 108 points or less. They rank first in points allowed per 100 possessions, sixth in opponent field goal percentage, and only two teams defend the 3-ball better.

LeBron swatted that all the way to Akron 🤯

(📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/FYnPsJrzDZ

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2021

Offensively, they rank seventh in points per 100 possessions, fourth in field goal percentage, third in total rebounding, and are undefeated when James and Anthony Davis combine to score at least 51 points, like they have in each of their last three games.

Empty Without Embiid

The 76ers meanwhile, fell to the Detroit Pistons by 15 last time out, which was their second most lopsided loss of the season. They were missing star center Joel Embiid due to back tightness, and are now 0-4 without him in the lineup.

Sixers this season

0-4 Without Joel Embiid

9-0 When they have all 5 starters pic.twitter.com/OB2lEhUwqv

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 26, 2021

Embiid is expected back in the lineup on Wednesday, which spells trouble for LA’s front court. The 7-footer is averaging 37.6 points per outing over his last three games, and is among the league leaders in points and rebounds.

Joel Embiid this season:

27.3 PPG
11.3 RPG
2.8 APG
1.3 BPG
1.3 SPG
56 FG%
40 3P%
85 FT%

Best center in the NBA? pic.twitter.com/mi7aCQvtlf

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 23, 2021

Aside from Embiid, the 76ers don’t excel in any one category offensively, but they are a force to be reckoned with in their own end. Philly ranks first in blocks, third in opponent field goal percentage, and fifth in points allowed per 100 possessions.

They own the NBA’s best home record at 9-1, and their only loss at the Wells Fargo Center came when they were reduced to seven players, including one starter, due to COVID.

Road Warriors

The Lakers on the other hand, own the NBA’s best road record at 10-0. They’re the only team in the league yet to lose on the road, and have been beating the spread at a steady clip away from home.

They’re 7-3 ATS on the road, and 6-3 ATS as a road favorite. They’ve yet to lose as a road favorite of less than 6 points, and are 6-2 ATS in their last eight contests overall.

“Always great to get a win, especially in purple and gold.” pic.twitter.com/FUGKIxzuax

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2021

Philadelphia has dropped back-to-back outings ATS and are just 4-7 against the number in their last 11 games. I like the champs to keep rolling on the road in this one.

Pick: LA Lakers -2 (-110)