Pro Basketball Predictions: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers
Sunday, 12/16/12, 6:00 PM EST, TV: CSP
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -4.5
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -3
Opening Total: 198.5
Current Total: 195.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Philadelphia 76ers PG Jrue Holiday is a game-time decision against the Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing streak in picking up a 102-96 victory over the Washington Wizards as six-point road favorites on Friday, while going UNDER the total for the second time in three contests. “Every good offense is a rhythm, and our rhythm is offbeat right now,” stated Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni. The Lakers continue to be led offensively by guard Kobe Bryant, who is leading the NBA in averaging 29.3 points per game. Los Angeles is 1-6 ATS versus Eastern Conference foes this year, with the UNDER going 5-2 in that situation.

The Lakers lost their lone meeting with the 76ers last season, which snapped a four-game win streak in the series. Bryant has played 29 games against his hometown team, averaging 22.8 points per game. Los Angeles is still without its top two points guards, with Chris Duhon filling in at the position, averaging 6.6 points and 6.0 assists. The franchise has gone 2-5 with him in the starting lineup.

Philadelphia has failed to break the 90-point barrier in dropping its last two games, including a 95-85 setback to the Indiana Pacers as six-point road underdogs last time out. The 76ers played that game without star point guard Jrue Holiday, who is averaging a team-high 18.4 points and ranks third in the league with 8.9 assists. He’s listed as a game-time decision in this non-conference affair. Philadelphia is 8-4 ATS at home when the total is between 195 and 199.5 points, with the UNDER going 7-5 in that situation.

The 76ers are 8-6 at the Wells Fargo Center this year, including a 4-2 mark versus Western Conference opponents. Philadelphia hasn’t scored 100-plus points in any of the past six meetings in this series, but it’s important to note that Los Angeles has reached that mark just once in that span. Center Spencer Hawes will need to continue being aggressive on the offensive end, averaging 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in his last three games.