NBA - Philadelphia v LA Lakers

29 January 2010

Preview By Tipster Jumbo (New Zealand)

The Laker machine continues to roll while the 76ers continue to falter….

The 76ers have won only 2 of their last 5 matches and have now lost to on the trot to the Bucks 88-91 and the Pacers their last home match 98-109, They are playing with a full roster and they do have some talent on their team but are just not showing it, at times they look great even in losing efforts but then there is the other side of them where they just look awful, they could turn it around as the depth they have really tells you that they can, but when is the Question? That last match against the Bucks was a classic example of how they go, they were behind and looked gone and then rallied to within 2 points of the Bucks with 19 seconds remaining in the game, Brand misses a tip in that would of at least given them a chance with 3 sec’s left to force OT and then they have to foul, they then miss a 3 point shot to again force OT, that is how they have been, they can mount great comebacks but they just can’t finish the job.

Meanwhile with Gasol back into the Lakers line up they are looking great again, Bynum and Gasol really dominate inside for the Lakers and it really starts to show in the games themselves, The Lakers foul shooting is going at a great clip right now and they are winning, the Lakers have scored 105 or more in their last 4 matches and what really makes that stand out is that in 2 of their last 4 matches they have scored like that but have not done so by taking the long range shot but instead by going inside and playing some good defence at crucial stages of their matches, the bench which was a bit of a liability in the earlier stages of this season are now finding their range and therefore either Unit for the Lakers are making an Impression, that’s important for me because the Lakers have had their problems this season even though having a great record, right now they are playing the best they have all season long and they should be able to carry that on today.

The Lakers are 5-5 in their last 10 against the 76ers and are 5-5 ATS as well as the Total situation being 5-5, In the last 5 matches played in Philly between these two sides the total has gone over in 2 of the last 3 and 3 of the last 5 while the 76ers have won 4 of their last 5 against the Lakers when playing at home, It’s interesting to note that things like this do tend to happen again and can be great for totals, the Lakers last game was an example where their record away to the Pacers was awful and even though they won the game total went through the roof which was good for me as I had it.

All in all the Lakers and 76ers seem to be on different paths but history can repeat and normally in any sport playing the last seasons Champs are games that every side do turn up to play, I am not at all confident that the 76ers can win here or even stay within the 8 offered by the Bookies but I am keen on this game going over, the Lakers are playing and scoring well while the 76ers should show up to face the Champs, Either way I’m on the total….Good Luck.