The Philadelphia 76ers are shorthanded as they continue on their road trip. It comes at the worst time as they take on some of the best teams in the league to begin this trip and this is where they could definitely use the brilliance of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. On top of that, they are now without Josh Richardson as well so Tuesday’s game just got a lot tougher.
Tuesday’s opponent is the Western Conference leaders in the Los Angeles Lakers. After facing the Clippers on Sunday, their matchup with the Lakers will complete a quick two games against the top title contenders in the West. Talk about the worst time to be as shorthanded as the Sixers are.
With that being said, it’s now time for the game guide to this one:
How to watch Sixers vs. Lakers
- Date: Tuesday, March 3
- Time: 10:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Staples Center Los Angeles, CA
- TV: TNT
Injury Report
- Sixers: OUT: Ben Simmons (nerve impingement in back), Joel Embiid (left shoulder sprain), Josh Richardson (concussion)
- Lakers: NOT YET SUBMITTED
Storylines
Young players getting opportunities
Injuries are never a welcomed thing for any NBA team, especially one like the Sixers that is trying to find a groove for the playoffs, but it does offer an opportunity for younger players to get a chance. That is exactly what Shake Milton has done as he has taken this chance by the throat and he is not letting go. He scored a career-high 39 points on Sunday and he is continuing to take steps forward and Tobias Harris is happy for him.
“I think Shake did a great job of just coming in and finding his rhythm and finding his confidence all throughout the game,” Harris added. “You’ve seen it in previous games and different opportunities, but to kind of put it on a really good team was really key for confidence, I believe.”
Sixers still focused on winning games
Despite the multitude of injuries surrounding the team, the message for the Sixers remains that they need to get it together and win some basketball games. They are still in the hunt to earn home-court advantage in the playoffs, but they need to really rally together and win some games.
“Honestly, it’s the same mindset and approach from the last game,” said Tobias Harris. “We just want to go out there and pull for one another, fight for each other, and stay together throughout the whole night. It’s the same type of mindset, just heightened a little bit, and everybody’s opportunities and roles enhance. We’ve just got to be ready and focus on that.”
Prediction
Just like in the Clippers game on Sunday, it is a tall order for this Sixers team to go into Staples Center on Tuesday and beat the Lakers. It’s bad enough that this team struggles on the road as much as they do and now that they’re also missing three starters, it’s almost impossible. It is also unrealistic to think Milton will have another 39 points in this game and LeBron James is still playing at an elite level. It will be a shock to see the Sixers win this game.
Pick: Lakers by double-digits
Sixers vs. Lakers season series
Game 1 January 25: 108-91 Sixers
Game 2 March 3:
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