Word on Sixers: LeBron and the Lakers Come to South Philly

Heading into the holiday last week, the Philadelphia 76ers celebrated Turkey Day on a rather low note, picking up two straight losses and battling without their star center, Joel Embiid, who was admittedly banged up with hip soreness.

Saturday’s game offered the Sixers a chance to get back on track. Facing a thriving young squad in the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 76ers found success with a 127-123 win. Embiid, who returned after missing his first game of the season, teased a triple-double, putting up 35 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.

When the Los Angeles Lakers come to town on Monday night, Embiid is on pace to play once again. After being on the team’s injury report for the previous two games, the big man was removed and is available for action.

Monday’s game marks the 290th matchup between the Sixers and the Lakers in history. Currently, Philadelphia is on quite the win streak over LA, collecting six victories in a row, with a chance to make it seven on Monday. The last time the Sixers fell short of Los Angeles was in March 2020, when the Lakers defeated the Sixers 120-107.

On Monday, the Sixers and the Lakers are set to tip off at 7:00 PM. The home team will be donning their City Edition uniforms once again.

What’s the Word on Sixers?

76ers Rule Out Multiple Players Monday — All76ers

“Lately, House has been a frequent contributor to the Sixers. Over the past seven games he played, the veteran has averaged 14 minutes on the floor. While Springer’s playing time has been inconsistent, he averaged 15 minutes on the court in the previous five games he played. With those two out, the Sixers will continue to extend longer shifts to Robert Covington and Patrick Beverley.”

Sixers Host LeBron, AD and the Lakers — Liberty Ballers

"Even if James and Davis play, that still leaves Cam Reddish questionable and Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent all out for the Lakers. A lot is falling on the shoulders of James and Davis.

The Sixers come into Monday evening 13th in defensive rating (112.5) in the NBA compared to the Lakers at ninth (110.7). A much bigger gap comes on the offensive end. The Sixers are currently third in offensive rating at 118.9 and the Lakers are down at 24th at 111.2."

Marcus Morris’ Mindset for Sixers — Philadelphia Inquirer

Marcus Morris Sr. says he’s going to do whatever the Sixers ask him to do. The 13th-year veteran, who’s been a regular starter throughout his career, also opens up about being a different situation than he’s used to. He played in nine games with one start as a Sixer. In his… pic.twitter.com/s476SrSqJ9
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 26, 2023

AD vs. Embiid — NBA.com

“A variable to watch for in tonight's matchup is new 76ers head coach Nick Nurse and how he has historically tried to defend Davis whenever he has coached against him. Maybe this had more to do with the Raptors' personnel, but Nurse has often tried to crowd and swarm AD whenever he's caught the ball, favoring instead for him to move the ball onto teammates rather than allow him to play 1-on-1 in space. Embiid has not typically been a player who gets much help in his defensive assignments, however, so the Lakers will need to plan for both scenarios.”

Embiid Tops LeBron With Latest Performance — All76ers

“With this performance, Embiid passed an all-time great in the record books. Saturday marked the 74th time in Embiid's career that he notched at least 35 points and 10 rebounds. That is now the highest number among active players, passing LA Lakers star LeBron James.”