The Los Angeles Lakers, currently riding their longest winning streak since before Thanksgiving, are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. The Lakers have won four consecutive games and look to continue their success on the road.
Lakers’ Recent Form
The Lakers began their six-game road trip with a 112-107 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. They jumped to a 23-point lead within the first eight minutes and managed to hold on for the win. This stretch of road games comes as the Grammy Awards occupy their home arena.
Anthony Davis was sensational, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the first quarter alone. He finished with season highs of 42 points and 23 boards, including eight offensive rebounds. This marked his fifth career 40-20 game, tying him for the ninth most in NBA history and the most among active players. LeBron James added 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in 36 minutes. The Lakers are 6-1 since January 15 and are now eight games over .500 for the first time this season. They were without Rui Hachimura (calf) and Gabe Vincent (knee).
In his second game of the season after recovering from injuries to both feet, Jarred Vanderbilt contributed four points, two rebounds, and two steals in 13 minutes off the bench. Vanderbilt also played a significant role on the defensive end.
The Lakers’ only longer winning streak this season was a six-game run from November 8-19, which began with a 116-106 home victory over the 76ers. In that game, James recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.
76ers’ Recent Form
The 76ers have won consecutive games for the first time this calendar year. They secured a 132-129 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday and followed it up with a 109-97 road win against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Tyrese Maxey was outstanding against the Bulls, logging 31 points and nine assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 points and 12 rebounds. Before these victories, the 76ers were 2-10 since January 1, coinciding with the absence of Joel Embiid (knee), who has missed the past 11 games and is already ruled out for Tuesday.
Adding to their injury woes, Paul George suffered a jammed left pinky in the game against the Bulls and will not play on Tuesday. Kyle Lowry returned from a hip injury but had limited impact with two points and two assists in 15 minutes. Injured forwards Caleb Martin (hip) and KJ Martin (foot) returned to practice but won’t be available against the Lakers.
