The Los Angeles Lakers (16-6) face the Philadelphia 76ers (13-9) in a marquee cross-conference showdown on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with both teams navigating injury hurdles while vying for early-season momentum. The Lakers, third in the West, are coming off a blowout loss to Boston but boast one of the league’s top offenses led by Luka Dončić’s MVP-caliber play. The Sixers, seventh in the East, ride a three-game win streak fueled by Tyrese Maxey’s scoring explosion, but Joel Embiid’s knee woes loom large. This first meeting of the 2025-26 season at Wells Fargo Center—historically a house of horrors for visitors—could swing on star availability and perimeter battles, promising a high-stakes clash between West Coast firepower and East Coast grit.
Game Details
Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET (tip-off).
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148. The 20,318-seat arena, home to the Sixers since 1996, has been a defensive stronghold this season (76ers 7-6 at home). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Broadcast: SportsNet LA (Lakers local), NBCS-PH (Sixers local), and NBA League Pass for out-of-market viewers. Radio on 710 ESPN (Lakers) and 97.5 The Fanatic (Sixers).
Officials: To be announced (TBA per NBA protocol).
This primetime slot caps a loaded NBA Sunday, spotlighting two superteams-in-progress amid the holiday stretch.
Injury Report
Injuries are the story for both sides, with the Sixers’ frontcourt in flux and the Lakers managing veteran wear. Latest from the NBA’s official report (updated December 6, 2025, evening):
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Injury/Details | Estimated Return |
| Lakers | LeBron James | SF | Questionable | Right sciatica/left foot arthritis | December 7 |
| Lakers | Luka Dončić | PG | Probable | Personal (family matter) | December 7 |
| Lakers | Marcus Smart | PG | Out | Left lumbar strain | December 12 |
| Sixers | Joel Embiid | C | Questionable | Left knee (injury management) | December 7 |
| Sixers | Paul George | SF | Questionable | Left knee soreness | December 7 |
| Sixers | Kelly Oubre Jr. | SG | Out | Right knee sprain | December 14 |
| Sixers | Trendon Watford | PF | Out | Right thigh contusion | December 10 |
The Lakers’ James (24.4 PPG last season, but 14.0 in limited 2025-26 action) is a game-time call after sitting Friday; his absence exposed their depth in the Boston rout. Dončić (35.3 PPG) returns after missing two for family reasons, a massive boost. For Philly, Embiid (18.5 PPG in 8 games) and George (16.8 PPG in 12) are pivotal—both questionable post-back-to-back—but Oubre’s out (knee) thins their wings further.
Key Player Matchups
Star power defines this tilt, but injuries could force backups into spotlight roles. Here’s a look at five crucial battles, emphasizing scoring, defense, and efficiency:
Luka Dončić (Lakers PG, probable) vs. Tyrese Maxey (Sixers PG): Dončić (35.3 PPG, 8.9 APG, 8.9 RPG) is the NBA’s scoring leader, blending step-back threes (3.7 3PM) with elite vision. Maxey (31.6 PPG, 7.1 APG, 1.7 SPG) counters with explosive drives and steals, ranking third in scoring. Philly’s No. 12 defense (111.1 OPP 100 poss.) tests Luka’s usage (35.1 MPG). Edge: Dončić’s volume if healthy.
LeBron James (Lakers SF, questionable) vs. Paul George (Sixers SF, questionable): James (14.0 PPG early, but All-NBA pedigree) thrives in transition (8.2 APG last year); if he plays, his IQ overwhelms switches. George (16.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG) brings two-way clamps (1.1 SPG), but knee issues limit explosiveness. A star duo duel if both suit up. Edge: James’ experience.
Anthony Davis (Lakers PF/C) vs. Joel Embiid (Sixers C, questionable): Davis (15.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.9 APG) anchors with rim protection, but Embiid’s absence (18.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG in limited mins) forces mismatches—expect Quentin Grimes (17.0 PPG) or backups to slide over. If Embiid plays, it’s a battle of stretch bigs (Embiid 1.1 3PM). Edge: Davis vs. Philly’s thin frontcourt.
Austin Reaves (Lakers SG) vs. Quentin Grimes (Sixers SG): Reaves (20.2 PPG last year, stepping up sans stars) hits off-ball (2.7 3PM). Grimes (17.0 PPG, 4.4 APG) provides spacing (36.1% 3PT team lead), but Lakers’ No. 9 offense (118.6 PPG) exploits gaps. Edge: Reaves’ consistency.
Rui Hachimura (Lakers PF) vs. VJ Edgecombe (Sixers SG/SF): Hachimura (13.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG) exploits mismatches inside. Rookie Edgecombe (emerging with 16.3 PPG) brings athleticism, but unproven vs. vets. Edge: Hachimura’s polish.
These favor the Lakers’ depth if stars play, but Philly’s home energy (7-6 SU) keeps it close.
Team Records and Standings Context
Los Angeles Lakers (16-6, 3rd in West): 7-3 home, 9-3 road. 8-2 in last 10, +2.1 net rating (9th). Offense: 118.6 PPG (9th); Defense: 116.5 OPP PPG (14th). Elite road warriors (9-3 SU).
Philadelphia 76ers (13-9, 7th in East): 7-6 home, 6-3 road. 6-4 in last 10, +1.0 net rating (15th). Offense: 117.3 PPG (16th); Defense: 116.3 OPP PPG (14th). Strong paint (50.5 PPG, 7th).
Season series: 0-0; all-time, Lakers lead 148-145 in regular season.
Recent Team Forms
The Lakers stumble after a streak; the Sixers build steam on the road. Quick tables:
Los Angeles Lakers Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 5 | @ BOS | L 105-126 | Reaves 36P; No James/Dončić |
| Dec 4 | @ TOR | W 123-120 | Reaves 44P; James ends streak w/ assist |
| Dec 1 | vs. PHX | L 108-125 | Dončić DNP; Poor shooting |
| Nov 30 | vs. NOP | W 133-121 | Dončić 35P/9A; Balanced |
| Nov 28 | vs. DAL | W 129-119 | James 30P; Defense holds |
Form: 2-3. Losses expose injury reliance (105 PPG in defeats), but 8-2 prior streak shows ceiling. 3-2 ATS.
Philadelphia 76ers Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 5 | @ MIL | W 116-101 | Grimes 22P/6 3PM; Bench shines |
| Dec 4 | vs. GSW | W 99-98 | Maxey 35P; Edgecombe game-winner |
| Dec 2 | vs. WAS | W 121-102 | Maxey 32P; Dominant D |
| Nov 30 | vs. ATL | L 134-142 | Maxey 28P; 2OT heartbreaker |
| Nov 28 | @ BKN | W 115-103 | George 20P; Grimes 22P |
Form: 4-1. Three straight wins (avg. 112 PPG), with bench fueling (Grimes 22.0 PPG L10). 4-1 ATS.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Lakers lead 148-145 in 293 games. LA has won 6 of last 10, including a 1-1 split last year.
2025-26 Season Series: 0-0 (opener). Last season: Lakers 112-102 (Nov ’24, Maxey 28P); Sixers 118-104 (Jan ’25, Embiid 30P/15R). Averages: 228.5 total points; 55% OVER.
Trends: Lakers 5-2 SU last 7 H2H; Sixers 4-3 ATS at home vs. LA.
Betting Trends
Key Trends:
Lakers: 14-8-0 ATS overall (64%); 6-4 ATS as 4+ favorites. 13-9 O/U; 9-2 SU road L11.
Sixers: 11-10-1 ATS (52%); 3-2 ATS as 4+ dogs. 11-11 O/U; 4-1 SU L5.
H2H: Lakers 6-4 SU last 10; 60% OVER in last 5.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers – 3.5
Philadelphia Sixers 235.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 6, 2025
