Offense meets defense when the Los Angeles Lakers (36-9) head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers (29-17). The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
Los Angeles opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 216.5 points at William Hill Sportsbook.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Prediction
In the Lakers’ last outing, they easily covered the 5.5-point spread against the Brooklyn Nets, 128-113. The gameโs combined points (241) came in over the O/U total of 230. The Lakers held the Nets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.3 (below their season average of 23.0). The Nets had a free throw rate of 0.132 (below their season average of 0.194). Los Angeles received a boost from LeBron James, who racked up 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. This gave him his ninth triple-double this season.
The 76ers lost to the Toronto Raptors in their last game, 107-95. They were not able to cover as 6.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (202) were under the projected point total of 215. Toronto’s 17.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Philadelphia, who had a rate of 15.1. The Raptors’ mark was below their season average of 22.2, while the 76ers’ was below their season average of 23.9. With 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons put together a good performance.
After the 76ers won both matchups against the Lakers last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Philadelphia won 143-120. The 76ers had a much better turnover percentage (6.2 vs. 13.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.196 vs. 0.151).
Los Angeles holds records of 36-9 straight up (SU) and 24-20-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Lakers’ 45 games, 23 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 29-17 SU and 21-22-3 ATS. Games including the 76ers have a slight tendency to finish over the projected point total (47.8 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Dwight Howard (13 rebounds,10.0 points,1.2 blocks) has been great for the Lakers while Simmons (24 points,10.0 rebounds,8.2 assists,2.0 steals) has made great contributions to the 76ers.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between two of the NBA’s premier defenses. Philadelphia ranks fourth in defensive efficiency (103.8) and Los Angeles is third (103.5). Also, the Lakers, who rank fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.6 percent), will face a tough test against the 76ers, who rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (80.7 percent).
Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers Pick
Free NBA Pick:ย ย ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Los Angeles is 13-11 ATS on the road with 13 overs and 11 unders.
At home, Philadelphia is 12-8-2 ATS with 11 overs, 10 unders and 1 push.
Each team is strong when holding the opposition to under 100 points, as Philadelphia is 13-1 and Los Angeles is 15-0.
In games where they score over 100 points, the 76ers are 25-7 and the Lakers are 32-9.
Los Angeles ranks third in second chance points per game (14.8) while Philadelphia ranks 25th (12.2).
The 76ers rank eighth in fast break points per game (14.3) while the Lakers rank 28th in fast break points allowed per game (16.0).
Los Angeles ranks third in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd (16.4).
The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.4) while the 76ers rank 17th (47.5).
Philadelphia ranks eighth in steals per game (8.3) while Los Angeles ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
The 76ers rank first in three pointers allowed per game (28.0) while the Lakers rank 10th (32.8).
Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (7.3) while Philadelphia ranks seventh (5.8).
The 76ers rank third in assists per game (26.4) while the Lakers rank seventh (25.9).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while Los Angeles ranks third (42.4).
Over its last five contests, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Philadelphia is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Lakers have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Los Angeles has defeated opponents by an average of 7.8 points.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 103.8 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.0 points per game (5.1 below their season average).