The Sixers are red-hot, coming off two road wins and riding a five-game winning streak after back-to-back victories over the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. Now they\u2019ll look to make it a season-best six straight as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the final regular-season matchup between the teams. The Lakers narrowly won the only previous meeting between the teams this year, edging the Sixers 112\u2013108 in Philadelphia. This time around, the Sixers will be looking for payback.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Lakers\u2019 season, like many in recent memory, has been a roller coaster. They haven\u2019t had their full Big 3 of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James together for much of the year. James missed time early in the season, while Reaves went down with an injury in December. Still, health appears to be trending in their favor. Reaves returned in their last game, and James has been in strong form over the past few weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Of course, this team starts and ends with Luka Doncic, who was acquired just over a year ago in a shocking blockbuster trade that has aged poorly for the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic is in the middle of an MVP-caliber season, averaging 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists through 41 games. He\u2019s doing it with impressive efficiency as well, shooting 47.5 percent from the field, 34.8 percent from three and 77.9 percent from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The future of this team likely continues with Doncic\u2019 backcourt mate, who returned from an extensive calf injury. Before getting hurt, Reaves was looking like one of the top guards in the NBA, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds through their first 21 games. The former undrafted guard has taken several steps forward, and has clearly made a push to get paid later this season as the Lakers re-tool long-term.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Then there\u2019s LeBron James, who at 41 years old may be nearing the end of his tenure with the Lakers. Even as Father Time starts to show himself, LeBron continues to put up strong numbers across the board. All three of the Lakers\u2019 stars are ball-dominant players and have not spent much time on the floor together, so it will be interesting to see how they look against the Sixers in this matchup.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Outside of that top trio, the Lakers\u2019 roster leaves a lot to be desired. Deandre Ayton anchors the frontcourt, and that experiment has gone about as expected. On some nights, he looks like a dominant seven-footer who controls the glass. On others, head coach JJ Redick looks close to losing his patience as Ayton\u2019s effort wavers and the midrange jumpers pile up. The Lakers do have some solid role players. Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt make up most of the rotation. It is not a terrible group by any means, but it is one that could clearly be improved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Of course, this game is kicking off hours after the NBA trade deadline, and there will likely be some type of development for both sides. The Lakers are reportedly in the market for a center, with Jarrett Allen being one of the many names being photoshopped into a Laker jersey. The Sixers, under Daryl Morey, are certainly busy in their own regard as well. The team will be fresh off of the trade of Jared McCain. I would keep an eye on the injury report today, as it\u2019s bound to change in some manner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Trade talk aside, the Sixers, will look to keep things rolling. So far, they have benefited from some favorable injury luck when it comes to opposing stars. James Harden was out for the matchup with the Clippers, and Stephen Curry missed the game against Golden State. This contest marks the first game of the trip against a team that is close to full strength.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Tyrese Maxey will look to get back on track. He delivered a standout performance against the Clippers but was quieter by his standards against the Warriors. Joel Embiid, barring anything unexpected, should return to the lineup and present major challenges for Ayton and their backup bigs. Rookie VJ Edgecombe is coming off his best outing in some time, posting 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists against Golden State in a game where he carried the Sixers to the win. To keep pace with the Lakers\u2019 firepower, Philadelphia will need all three firing on all cylinders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Heading into this game, the lone Sixer on the injury report is Joel Embiid, who is listed as questionable due to knee management. Paul George remains out because of his suspension. For the Lakers, Jaxson Hayes is out due to suspension after an incident involving the Washington Wizards\u2019 mascot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Sixers have a chance to extend their winning streak to a season-high six games and move to 3\u20130 on their West Coast road trip. This will be their toughest test yet, but there is plenty of reason to believe they can rise to the challenge. Let\u2019s see what happens!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
When:<\/strong> Thrusday, February 5, 10:00 p.m. ET
Where: <\/strong>Crypto (dot) com Arena
Watch: <\/strong>NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio:<\/strong> 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow:<\/strong> @LibertyBallers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n