The Sixers are in LA to take on the Lakers tonight and hope to get a much-needed win on the road. One sentence into this post and it’s already hard to be optimistic about tonight’s outing but here we go.

Let’s remember the good times. At home (obviously), the only other time this year the 76ers played the Lakers, the 76ers dominated – winning 108-91. Tobias Harris had 29 points, followed by Ben Simmons with 28 and Al Horford with 16. That game was played without Joel Embiid – who isn’t traveling with the team this time around due to a shoulder sprain.

Ben Simmons is hurt and Josh Richardson is also out tonight dealing with injuries. The Sixers will need another career night from certified hooper Shake Milton to compete with the Lake show in LA.

If you’re confident going into tonight’s game, you’re lying to yourself or simply delusional. It’s going to be a tough one against a Lakers team who have won 8 of their last 10 and are 11-3 in their last 14 games at home.

On the other hand, the Sixers haven’t won a road game since January 20th against the Nets.

Losing to the Clippers on Sunday and the Lakers tonight should be expected. I just hope we keep this one close and get out of LA as soon as possible. The Sixers line is currently at +13 – which if you’re following along, myself and Pol both took on Sunday and hit in the Clippers game. I’ll be doing the same tonight – but only because I’m addicted to the pain.

Things to watch while the Lakers Beat Us:

Can Shake Milton stay hot? Shake is undoubtedly the biggest headline in the league right now after a string of recent performances. Regardless of a win tonight – it’s important that he continues to show this isn’t a “Furkan” situation and he’s ready to contribute any time he’s given the opportunity.

Shake Milton’s CAREER-HIGH 39@SniperShake erupts for 39 PTS, 7 3PM for the @sixers in LA. pic.twitter.com/J0EzZ0uSGi

— NBA (@NBA) March 2, 2020

Tobias Harris. Everyone loves to give Tobias shit. I’m definitely not one of those people. He’s been our most consistent player this year and it’s important that he continues to be.

Alec Burks & Glen Robinson III. These guys have been somewhat of a disappointment since coming over at the deadline. GR3 with some questionable comments about the 76ers and the fact that he hasn’t been able to make a single 3-pointer since joining the team has been frustrating. Burks played well against the Clippers. We need BOTH of these guys to step up and be the players we were hoping they would be.

Mike Scott. Scott has been awful this year. So awful, that his minutes have been slashed to about nothing. With injuries, it looks like he’s going to get another shot at some playing time. Against the Clippers – Scott played 26 minutes, shot 4-6 from the field (3-4 from 3) with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. We need Mike Scott to come back to the late-season form he had last year as the Sixers made their way into the playoffs.

Heading into this road trip – I had the Sixers going 2-2 with two front end losses to the Clippers and Lakers before beating the Warriors and Kings to gain so momentum as they come home for 5 of their next 6 games. Joel Embiid is expected to return when they get back to Philly. Josh Richardson should also become available as he gets through concussion protocol. Ben Simmons is still a question mark.

This road trip is all about survival. The Sixers are currently tied for the 5th seed with the Pacers – who face the Bucks tomorrow night and come to Philly on the 14th.