The Tip-Off: Injury-riddled Sixers take on the first place Lakers

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After a grueling high-scoring affair on Sunday which ended in a loss to the Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers will have to turn around and face the other LA team tonight. LeBron James and the Lakers will host Philly as the best team in the west, sitting in first place with a 46-13 record.


Injury Bug Takes No Prisoners

The Sixers just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to the injuries this year. Entering the Tuesday night match-up, Philly will be without three of their day-one starters. Yes, three.

Josh Richardson is still undergoing concussion tests from his collision on Sunday, while Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are back home nursing their respective hindrances.


Unlikely Heroes

With the lack of starters being a prominent focal point to tonight’s game, the Sixers will need some less-known names to step up. The Sixers got just that on Sunday against the Clippers, as Shake Milton poured in a career-high 39 points.

However, Shake alone wasn’t enough. The Sixers will be leaning heavily on guys like Tobias Harris and Al Horford, both offensively and defensively as the duo will most likely be tasked with guarding LeBron James and Anthony Davis.


The Lakers Are Really Good

Despite all the talk of LBJ being “washed” this offseason, the addition of Anthony Davis has seemingly rejuvenated the 4x MVP. LeBron is averaging a career-high 10.6 assists while also pouring in just over 25 points per game.

This had led to direct success for LA, as they have the second-best record in the league and are poised for a deep playoff run (with home-court advantage throughout).


Underdog Mentality

The Sixers showed a lot of fight in their loss against the Clippers. They fought hard and played with energy from start to finish. If the shorthanded Philly squad can enter tonight’s game with that same mentality, they very well could be due for another close contest.


Tip-off is scheduled for 10 PM ET.

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports