The Philadelphia 76ers head to L.A. to face the Lakers on Friday night at 10:30 PM ET on NBA TV. Can the Lakers cover the 8.5-point spread as home favorites? Keep reading for our 76ers vs. Lakers betting prediction.
The Philadelphia 76ers are 38-31 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 36-33 ATS this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are 37-32 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 32-38 ATS this season.
76ers vs. Lakers Matchup & Betting Odds
555 Philadelphia 76ers (+8.5) at 556 Los Angeles Lakers (-8.5); o/u 224.5
10:30 p.m. ET, Friday, March 22, 2024
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: NBA TV
76ers vs. Lakers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 65% of public bettors are currently backing the Lakers when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Philadelphia 76ers Daily Fantasy Spin
76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) and shooting guard De’Anthony Melton (back) will both miss Friday’s road clash with the Lakers. Embiid is averaging 35.3 points per game while Melton is logging 11.5 points per game this year. Both players are targeting early April for a potential return. Paul Reed and Kyle Lowry have been playing more due to the absence of Embiid and Melton.
Philadelphia power forward Tobias Harris has missed the team’s last three games with a right ankle sprain. He’s questionable for Friday’s game with that same ailment. Harris is third on the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game on the campaign. If he’s unable to play Nicolas Batum and Kelly Oubre Jr. could have increased roles.
Los Angeles Lakers Daily Fantasy Spin
Los Angeles small forward LeBron James is officially listed as questionable for Friday night’s showdown with Philadelphia. James is dealing with left ankle tendinopathy. He leads the Lakers in scoring with 25.5 points per game this season.
Lakers power forward Anthony Davis is probable to play on Friday with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy. Davis is averaging 24.4 points and 12.3 rebounds per game for L.A. this year.
Lakers forward Christian Wood (knee), point guard Gabe Vincent (knee), and power forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) will all miss Friday’s home date with the 76ers. Of the three, Vincent is the closest to returning to action. He could be back as soon as this week.
76ers vs. Lakers NBA Betting Trends
Philadelphia is 3-5-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Philadelphia is 8-9 ATS as a road underdog this season.
The over is 38-31-1 in Los Angeles’ games this season.
The over is 35-34 in Philadelphia’s games this season.
76ers vs. Lakers NBA Prediction:
I think the injuries might be too much for Philadelphia to overcome in this contest. Both Joel Embiid and De’Anthony Melton are out for Friday’s game and Tobias Harris is in serious danger of sitting out as well. If Harris is out, the Sixers will likely trot out a starting five of Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, Nicolas Batum, and Mo Bamba. That lack of offensive firepower could be an issue against a team like the Lakers.
Los Angeles’ last game was a 136-105 home win over Atlanta on Monday. The Lakers will have three full days off for this game without having to travel anywhere. What’s more, Los Angeles really needs this contest as they are currently the #9 seed in the Western Conference. That would have them in the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today. For rest, health, and motivational reasons, I like the Lakers to win and cover this contest at home in Crypto.com Arena on Friday night.
