L.a. Lakers Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers Picks and Predictions November 8th 2024

Lakers vs 76ers November 8th 2024

At 10:00 ET, the 4-4 Los Angeles Lakers (-352) will host the 1-6 Philadelphia 76ers (+279) in a non-conference matchup. ESPN will televise the game, which will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Philadelphia is currently an 8.5-point underdog, and the over/under line is set at 222.5 points.

76ers vs. Lakers Key Information

The 76ers dropped to 1-6 on the season after a 110-98 road loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. Philadelphia entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 208, falling short of the 215-point line.

Philadelphia started strong, leading 27-24 after the 1st quarter. However, a poor 3rd quarter, where they were outscored 33-17, left them trailing 84-68 going into the 4th. Despite a 30-point effort in the final quarter, they couldn’t close the gap.

In their 110-98 loss to the Clippers, the 76ers shot 54.8% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 7 threes at a 28% clip. Kelly Oubre and Paul George each scored 18 points, with George shooting 77.8% and making 2 threes at 66.7% efficiency.

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Oubre scored 8 points in the 4th quarter, while Caleb Martin added 6 of his 14 points in the final period. Tyrese Maxey contributed 12 points, with 8 coming in the opening quarter.

Defensively, the 76ers struggled against the Clippers, allowing 110 points on 56% shooting. Philadelphia gave up 33 points in the 3rd quarter, their worst defensive period, but kept the Clippers to 24 points in the 1st and 26 in the 4th.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers hit 12 threes at a 42% clip. The 76ers sent the Clippers to the line 19 times, where they made 16 free throws. Philadelphia recorded 10 steals and 2 blocks in the game.

The Lakers fell to 4-4 on the season after a 131-114 road loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Los Angeles entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread, losing by 17 points. The total score of 245 points exceeded the over/under line of 232.5 by 12.5 points.

After a 35-27 first quarter, the Lakers tightened up defensively in the second, winning the quarter 26-24. However, Memphis pulled away in the third, outscoring the Lakers 36-28. An 11-0 run by the Grizzlies to start the fourth quarter put the game out of reach.

LeBron James knocked down 6 threes at a 54.5% clip, finishing with 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the Lakers’ loss to the Grizzlies. He shot 62.5% from the field, while the team hit 15 threes overall, despite shooting just 31.2% from deep and 44.1% from the field.

Austin Reaves added 19 points, and Cam Reddish contributed 15, going 2-for-2 from three. LeBron scored 16 points in the 2nd quarter, and Reddish put up 6 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Defensively, the Lakers struggled, giving up 131 points to the Grizzlies, who shot 51% from the field. Los Angeles allowed 35 points in the 1st quarter and 36 in both the 3rd and 4th, despite a better 2nd quarter where they held Memphis to 24 points.

The Lakers also had trouble defending the three, with the Grizzlies hitting 17 threes at a 50% clip. Los Angeles sent Memphis to the line 23 times, where they made 18 free throws. The Lakers finished with 28 defensive rebounds, allowed 12 offensive boards, and recorded 10 steals.

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Lakers to secure the win, with an expected final score of 134-104. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -8.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 222.5 and our model has the 76ers and Lakers finishing with a combined 238 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Lakers, 76ers Navigating Difficulties of New Season

Two teams searching for their rhythm early in the season are set to clash on Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers. Both squads have faced challenges, from injuries to inconsistent performances, making this an intriguing matchup.

Lakers Returning Home After Rough Road Trip

The Lakers are coming off a challenging five-game road trip, where they managed just one win, finishing 1-4. They closed the trip with a disappointing 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, LeBron James put on a vintage performance, scoring a season-high 39 points.

James was in full scoring mode, attempting a season-high 24 shots and making 15 of them, including six 3-pointers. With key teammates Anthony Davis (heel) and Rui Hachimura (illness) sidelined, the burden fell heavily on James to carry the team offensively. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome a Memphis squad that shot over 50% from the field, including 17-of-34 from beyond the arc.

“At the end of the day, especially when you lose bodies, you got to compete,” James said. “You got to be out there giving it everything that you got on both ends.”

While James delivered, the rest of the Lakers struggled to find consistency. Austin Reaves contributed 19 points, and D’Angelo Russell added 12, but the team shot a lackluster 31.3% from 3-point range. Rookie Dalton Knecht, making his first career start, was just 1-of-7 from deep.

New Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized that the team’s effort level needs to be consistent, regardless of whether shots are falling.

“Something that we’ve discussed as a group (is) you have a choice every night for how you play, and it has nothing to do with making shots,” Redick said.

76ers Dealing With Injuries and Absences

The 76ers have also faced a turbulent start to the season, largely due to the absence of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who has yet to make his season debut. Embiid has been sidelined with a knee injury and is now serving a three-game suspension due to an altercation with a reporter. This will keep him out through Sunday, further complicating Philadelphia’s early-season struggles.

The situation worsened on Wednesday when rising star Tyrese Maxey exited with a hamstring injury in the second half of the 76ers’ 110-98 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. According to ESPN, Maxey is expected to miss multiple weeks, dealing a significant blow to the Sixers’ offense.

Philadelphia recently welcomed free-agent addition Paul George, who missed the first five games with a knee issue. George made his Sixers debut against the Clippers, his former team, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 24 minutes. Despite George’s efforts, the 76ers struggled to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half.

“I think my execution is off. My rhythm, my timing, ball handling is just off,” George admitted. “I’m going to put the work in, but it is a rough patch for myself, and I’ve got to be better for these guys.”

The 76ers played well early, shooting 54.3% from the floor in the first half and entering halftime tied at 51. However, the Clippers dominated the third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 33-17 and shooting a scorching 70.6% from the field.

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Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the team’s struggles with turnovers and defensive execution.

“Obviously, 27 points off turnovers is just too many to give up,” Nurse said. “We were right there, but we just couldn’t handle their ball pressure.”

Key Matchups and Storylines

• LeBron James vs. Paul George: With both teams missing key players, expect the veterans to take on even more responsibility. James is coming off a strong individual performance, while George is trying to find his groove after returning from injury.
• Lakers’ Defensive Woes: The Lakers have allowed over 130 points in back-to-back games, highlighting issues on the defensive end. How they adjust against a Philadelphia team missing its primary scoring threats will be crucial.
• 76ers Without Embiid and Maxey: Philadelphia will need contributions from role players to stay competitive. With Maxey sidelined, George and Tobias Harris will need to step up offensively.
• JJ Redick’s Adjustments: As a new head coach, Redick is navigating the challenges of balancing veteran stars like James with younger players still finding their footing. Expect him to continue experimenting with lineups to spark better energy and consistency.

What’s at Stake?

The Lakers are looking to stabilize their season and return to the .500 mark after a disappointing road trip. Meanwhile, the 76ers are desperate for a win to stop the bleeding amidst their injury and suspension woes.

Both teams have high expectations for this season, making Friday’s matchup a crucial early test. The Lakers will be energized by their home crowd, while the Sixers will be looking to steal a road win despite their depleted lineup.

Tip-off is set for Friday night at the Crypto.com Arena, and both teams will be eager to get back on track as they navigate the challenges of a young season.