Doncic (hamstring) recently stated he is "100% healthy again," Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Embiid no longer projects to carry the same offensive burden after Philadelphia added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown while also bringing in Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and rookie Labaron Philon, according to Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers.
Maxey's role figures to evolve after Philadelphia assembled a star-studded roster featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers reports.
Edgecombe should benefit from entering a veteran-laden environment after Philadelphia added LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers reports.
Knecht could receive a larger offensive opportunity following LeBron James' departure, as the Lakers have significant scoring to replace, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
LaRavia could see an expanded role following LeBron James' departure, though the Lakers' additions of Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili should create added competition for frontcourt minute, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Vanderbilt should continue to provide defensive value after LeBron James' exit from the Lakers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Caldwell-Pope (finger) agreed to a buyout with the Grizzlies on Saturday and plans to sign a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the 76ers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers on Friday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Kaluma agreed to a two-way deal with the Lakers on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
DraftKings. I’m going to buy low on LeBron James’ points line. Despite clearing the 20-point mark in 19 of his last 24 contests, his points prop tonight is likely set a few points lower than his average due to Austin Reaves’ presence. However, the Lakers have conceded the Reaves’ minutes will be monitored again tonight (21 in his first game since Christmas the last time out), giving James enough runway to clear this total. It’s a solid matchup against the Sixers who have struggled with on-ball defense, and lack the size on the wing to match up with LBJ.
This will jump if Joel Embiid sits (doubt). And I don't want to mention him, but usually I only have to reference when back the Sixers. I'd be fine him sitting tonight. And I think Paul George is one of the most overrated players of his generation. But he's a very good defender. Him being out suspended for a while won't probably matter that often, but he would be the main guy on Luka and/or LeBron. Now Philly doesn't have a strong defender to deal with either. You think Dominick Barlow will do something? Also, I believe certain home games are much more important -- including those after a long road trip to reset momentum. That's where the Lakers are following their Grammys Trip.
76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe poured in 25 points in 40 minutes of action last time out at Golden State. He was plus-27 in the box score. The No. 3 overall pick should get another big workload in a game with a total of 234, second-highest on the board. The Lakers are below average defensively, and Edgecombe scored 15 points in 38 minutes when LA visited Philly on Dec. 7. With Paul George suspended and Joel Embiid questionable, the surging 76ers are relying on Edgecome to supplement Tyrese Maxey's offense.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is enjoying a strong season and has more often than not functioned as the 76ers third leading scorer behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Oubre has thrived in this role and is routinely playing huge minutes which I expect to continue now that Paul George will be missing from the lineup and is serving a suspension. Oubre attempted double digit threes in his last outing and I expect his volume to continue to spike considering his role and usage. I’d play this to (-160).
