Some of the league’s hottest players will meet tomorrow when Joel Embiid’s Sixers host LeBron James’ Lakers at the Wells Fargo Center, and when Steph Curry’s Warriors take on Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves at the Chase Center.
The Warriors will try to inch closer towards the top spot in the Western Conference with yet another win at home, while the Timberwolves plan to do the same since they’re seventh as of this writing.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are eager to get one game over .500 while the Sixers will look to fortify their hold at a top six spot.
Despite having only two NBA games on schedule tomorrow, with these stars present, basketball fans are bound to see a ton of NBA 2022 highlights.
Without further ado, let’s examine tomorrow’s two-game slate through today’s gameday preview.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Philadelphia Sixers
Here at SBOTOP, we picked LeBron James and Joel Embiid as part of our All-Star starters given they way they’ve been playing this 2021/22 campaign.
The ageless LeBron James has been in one of the best offensive zones of his 19-year career in recent weeks, and he’s the key reason why the Lakers are still alive despite Anthony Davis injured for the most part and Russell Westbrook struggling.
But for as good as James has been, Embiid has been solid as well since he’s been posting gaudy numbers for Philadelphia. Since returning from injury in mid-December, the Cameroonian center has averaged 34.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game while shooting 54.6-per cent from the field – leading the Sixers to a 13-5 record in that span.
In fact for 2022, Embiid is as efficient as they come since he’s had more points than minutes in his last five games. He is fresh from a 42-point, 14-rebound outing in their win over the Pelicans last Wednesday.
The Sixers will need every bit of Embiid’s brilliance since they’ve missed a handful of their key players in certain stretches this season, just like the Lakers.
Speaking of the Lakers, their injury list has eased up for a bit following the much-awaited return of Anthony Davis yesterday in their win over the Nets. The Brow had eight points and four blocks in 25 minutes of action.
In the 17 games that he was out, Los Angeles went 7-10 so his return couldn’t come at a better time. Davis, after all, is the Lakers’ best defencive player and he provides significant relief for LeBron James and Russell Westbrook on the offencive end.
Tomorrow marks their first meeting this season, so the NBA 2022 odds expect this to be a highly-competitive affair.
Betting Tip: Philadelphia Sixers Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.90
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors
The Warriors and the Timberwolves have split their earlier meetings this season. Golden State won their first meeting last November while Minnesota bounced back last January 17.
Steph Curry’s shooting is still cold since he’s hit just 13-of-52 from deep and 30-of-84 shots overall during his previous four outings (36-per cent). However, that didn’t stop the Warriors in getting more victories.
Golden State come into this game with high confidence following their 130-92 demolition against Dallas yesterday, and they’re 4-1 on their current homestand as they held three of their five opponents under 92 points.
Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole are all playing well for the Warriors, while Otto Porter Jr. and Jonathan Kuminga have been filling in well for Draymond Green – who is still sidelined because of his lingering calf and back issues.
They’re in for a big challenge, though, since the Timberwolves are a much different team compared to seasons past. Minnesota are winners of four of their last five and they’re in great shape to contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Anthony Edwards has taken the spotlight recently following his 40-point outburst against the Blazers. The second-year guard has scored at least 20 points in his last four games.
Other than Edwards, the Warriors would still have to deal with Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell – who are both capable scorers as well. Towns is a double-double machine while Russell, who was once a Warrior, is one of the team’s best outside shooters.
Like the Sixers-Lakers match, we expect this game to be close but the Warriors may have the slight edge since they’ve been superb at home with a 22-4 record so far.
Even with Steph Curry not at his best lately, the Warriors are truly playing like a team and we like their chances. However, they would be a fool if they’ll take the Timberwolves lightly.
Betting Tip: Golden State Warriors Asian Handicap -5.50 @ 1.95
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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