NBA FREE Pick: 539 Los Angeles Lakers @ 540 Philadelphia 76ers
Rating: 4 Units – Regular Play
Pick: Under 222.5
Price: -108 / 1.92 on Betonline
Detailed Write Up:
The Lakers have been playing at a slow pace in the last games and I think that tonight’s contest is going to be a grind out game.
The 76ers (mostly due to Embiid factor) has been a force in the offensive glass and getting on the FT line (ranked #10 & #2). However, note that the Lakers are ranked #2 & #1 on those same areas defensively. They have in veteran Marc Gasol one of the savviest low post defensive players in the league. In one game between the Raptors and the 76ers in the past, Embiid had a scoreless game against Gasol’s team.
The 76ers and Embiid enjoyed some pretty favorable matchups vs. BOS & DET in which they just dominated in the frontcourt. That will be difficult against the Lakers tonight.
On the other end, I expect the 76ers to be focused defensively after their awful defensive performance vs. DET in the last game. They have been an elite defensive team in protecting the paint – a key factor to limit the Lakers offense. I expect Ben Simmons to defend Lebron James & Embiid to check some minutes vs. Davis, and therefore, I don’t anticipate any major offensive edge for the offenses in here.