Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.
1) Zu is making the most of his moment
Ivica Zubac rode the bench for 14 of the Lakers’ first 19 games, but November feels like ages ago considering the run he’s been on lately.
Zubac is coming off arguably the best performance of his career, having amassed 24 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in Sunday’s win over Phoenix. The 21-year-old’s game is evolving, as he scored out of pick-and-rolls, post-ups and more. Plus, he had the energy left to protect the rim on the other end.
Not many would have predicted that Zubac would be the Lakers’ starting center right now; but he has certainly earned it over his last five games by averaging 19.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, while shooting 66.1 percent from the field and 21-of-23 on free throws.
2) Ingram’s in bucket mode
Injuries have seized the Lakers, as Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James and Lonzo Ball are out for this game.
With L.A.’s superstar and most of its young core on the mend, Brandon Ingram has stepped into the role of scoring leader.
He has dropped 20-plus points in three of his last four games, averaging 20.0 on 58.5 percent shooting. And he is coming off one of the most efficient nights of his career.
Ingram put up 22 points against Phoenix, shooting an impressive 9-of-11 from the field. He took advantage of his unique combination of size and ball handling, as the Suns struggled to contain him in the post and out of pick-and-rolls.
3) Sixers are stacked
The Lakers and 76ers haven’t faced each other in 14 months, and Philadelphia has put together quite the squad during that time.
Familiar foe Joel Embiid has been on a tear this season, ranking sixth in the NBA in scoring, third in rebounds and seventh in blocks. The Lakers need no reminder of his post-dominating, foul-drawing ways, as he averaged nearly 40 points in two games against them last year.
Plus, Ben Simmons continues to be a nightly triple-double threat, dishing out the league’s third-most assists. J.J. Redick is having a career year in Philly’s handoff-heavy offense. And new import Jimmy Butler is one of the game’s best two-way threats.
This would be a heavyweight matchup with both teams at full strength. Considering their shorthanded squad, the Lakers will need to be especially locked in to take out one of the league’s most talented rosters.
Injury Report
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma (left hip strain), LeBron James (left groin strain) and Lonzo Ball (left ankle sprain) are out. Isaac Bonga, Alex Caruso and Johnathan Williams are on G League assignment.
Sixers: Jonah Bolden (sore right Achilles) is questionable. Markelle Fultz (thoracic outlet syndrome), Zhaire Smith (Jones fracture, left foot) and Justin Patton (right foot surgery) are out. Shake Milton and Haywood Highsmith are on G League assignment.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW
Unis: Gold Icon
Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles, California