NBA 2021/22 on Thursday, 03/24/2022
The Sixers seem to be getting better and better every week! In Philadelphia, therefore, the title is no longer just rumoured behind closed doors. In my Lakers 76ers tip, I now trust them to win the next one!
The Sixers didn’t just win yesterday against the Miami Heat against the current first-place team in the Eastern Conference, although that alone would be impressive enough. Rather, it is the manner in which this 113-106 victory came about that has caused a stir.
On this occasion, Philadelphia proved to the whole world why they are rightly considered a possible overall winner by the best bookmakers. Despite the absence of James Harden and Joel Embiid, the Phillies managed to keep the Floridians at bay.
Accordingly, the 76ers have an all-round strong squad that is not dependent on the performance of individual superstars. Tyrese Maxey, for example, was without doubt the best player of the evening with 28 points, five rebounds and four assists and was also the guarantor of the success!
These days, rumours are circulating that LeBron James could soon join the Sixers in order to increase his personal title chances. Another reason for such a trade could be the fact that his son Bronny is currently under contract with the Phillies.
While it’s all in the future, the 76ers are clearly a franchise on the rise. The Lakers, on the other hand, are predicted to have a much less rosy future – especially since the purple ones will have to fight for their playoff ticket until the very end.
Los Angeles has an unusually negative record of 31-41. A direct ticket for the postseason is therefore only a utopia. Instead, the Californians will have to see if they can qualify for the Play-In Tournament.
The main problem for the Lakers is that they continue to lose “altitude”. Because the bottom line is that they win fewer games than they lose, despite a usually outstanding LeBron James. For example, they have won only three of their last nine NBA games.
The trade at the beginning of the season of Russell Westbrook has so far proved to be one of the biggest Lakers flops in recent years, even if the legendary Magic Johnson believes that Westbrook’s last three performances were his best so far in a purple jersey.
In fact, I liked his performance yesterday against the Cavs as well. After all, the former first-round pick was able to score 20 points and pass through 11 assists. But the Sixers just work a little better as a collective – and most importantly, they’re more consistent!
The last time the two franchises faced off, we saw how well the Sixers run the ball. In late February, the Lakers defeated them 105-87.
On that occasion, the Californians’ offence was kept completely on the back burner. Although LeBron James was injured at the time, he was replaced at the centre position by the now injured superstar Anthony Davis.
Nevertheless, The Brow did not manage to overcome his opponent Joel Embiid. Moreover, we must not forget that James Harden was still under contract with the Nets at that time and had not yet signed for his new employer.
It’s not clear how heavily the sportsbooks have weighted the possible failures of Joel Embiid and James Harden in their Lakers 76ers odds. Because it is not yet 100% certain whether they will be used!
Nevertheless, we already have possible payouts. A Sixers win is currently being traded at around 1.30 on the betting markets, while much higher odds of 3.30 are being offered for a California win.
Conclusion: The Sixers proved yesterday that even without Embiid and Harden they can beat the best team in their conference. This demonstration of power cannot be rated highly enough.
Moreover, the injuries to the two superstars are superficial. If only one of them can return to the starting five tonight, I’m not worried at all about a clear victory.
The Lakers are losing ground in the standings and are far too dependent on LeBron James. Moreover, they are far less convincing as a collective than their upcoming opponents.
My Lakers Sixers tip is therefore short and sweet: Guest win despite HC -6!
