The Lakers want to avenge the 44-point fiasco, and the Emperor truces Philadelphia and fears losing streaks
On March 23, Beijing time, the Lakers will face the 76ers at home in the NBA regular season.
The Lakers are currently 37-32 and in ninth place in the West. In their last game, the Lakers beat the Hawks 136-105 to claim one of their most hearty wins of the season. In that game, Russell, James and Davis all scored more than 20 points, and the team shot 58 percent from the field. The Lakers also used this game to end the previous two-game losing streak, and the team got back on track at a crucial moment in the race for a playoff spot in the West.
The Lakers have ranked in the middle of the league in offensive and defensive efficiency this season, and at the end of the season they had to fight to the death for a play-in spot. Currently, the Lakers are 3.5 wins away from the Mavericks in 6th place in the West, 0.5 wins ahead of the Warriors in 10th place, and 3 wins ahead of the Rockets in 11th place, and each win is very crucial. The two averaged 50 points per game, and Russell's 18.1 points per game almost locked up the summer's big contract. Reaves, Hachimura and Dinwiddie are also averaging double-digit points per game.
The 76ers are currently 36-31 and in 8th place in the East. In the last game, the 76ers lost to the Suns 102-115. In the game, Maxey, the team's top star on the outside, scored only 6 points, and only Oubre was the starter who had a double-double, so it was obvious that he could not win the game. With Embiid continuing to recuperate from injuries and Harris absent, the 76ers' combat effectiveness is indeed relatively weak. And Maxi is also a little immature, and he is currently not stable enough.
This season, the 76ers were on close track of the Celtics and Bucks, but with Embiid's injury, the 76ers' record began to decline significantly. Currently, the 76ers are one win behind the Pacers in sixth place in the East, while the Predator Heat in seventh place. In terms of the lineup, Embiid will continue to be sidelined, Maxey is averaging 25.7 points and 6.2 assists per game, and Harris is also currently suffering an ankle injury. Oubre averaged 14.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, Hield 12.4 and Lowry 8.2.
This game is the second meeting between the two sides this season, the first meeting 76ers completed a 44-point victory, and the 76ers have now won seven consecutive games against the Lakers. But in this game, the Lakers have the home court advantage, the Lakers are 25-12 at home this season, while the 76ers are 17-16 on the road. Crucially, Embiid will miss the game. While both sides are currently in a critical period of battle for a playoff ticket, the Lakers may be more motivated and stronger.