Lakers vs 76ers Free NBA Pick Against the Spread, 12–16–2016 — Best NBA Handicappers
Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers
FREE NBA Betting Prediction by Best NBA Handicappers
Line: Sixers -1.5, 212.5
Tipoff: 8pm EST
Los Angeles Lakers (10–18 SU, 11–16–1 ATS)
Philadelphia 76ers (6–19 SU, 14–11 ATS)
The Los Angeles Lakers travel East to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s been 15 years since the Lakers and Sixers squared off in the 2001 NBA Finals and it’s been almost that long since the 76ers have been relevant in NBA basketball.
Both the Lakers and Sixers are in a complete rebuilding stage and while it seems like the past several years the Sixers have been tanking for the #1 pick, they have some decent young talent. The Lakers also have some fine young talent in D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram.
The Lakers had their worst season ever last year, finishing 17–65, but got off to a respectable start at 10–10, but have now lost eight in a row. They lost their eighth straight on Wednesday, a 10 point loss to the seven win Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers really struggle on defense, allowing 111 points per game. The past six games they have allowed over 107 points so imperative they play good defense tonight if they want to leave Philly with a win.
The Sixers have been very impressed with Joel Embid when he has been on the floor, averaging 17.6 points and 7.5 rebounds and he’s doing that in only 23.8 minutes a game. Embid has been placed on a minutes limit which can be difficult for him to find a groove but it’s also important the Sixers be smart in protecting their franchise center.
The Sixers have played some good basketball at times despite only 6 wins on the season to show for it. They had a 2 game win streak snapped on Wednesday, losing to the Raptors 123–114. Bettors aren’t so much concerned about their SU record as they are ATS and the 76ers are surprisingly 14–10 against the spread and that shows you that they play tough. The Sixers are 10–6 ATS at home and tonight they are -1.5 point favorites vs the Lakers.
The 76ers have actually been a good team to bet on over the last two weeks, while the Lakers are 5–15–1 ATS over their last 21 games. The Sixers are 6–0 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Pacific and 9–3 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The Lakers are a dismal 0–7 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss and LA is entering game 3 of a 7 game road trip which could prove to be tiring for this young team. Banking on the 76ers to come out guns blazing, beat the Lakers and cover the -1.5 point spread.
