The Sixers returned to Staples Center Tuesday night to take on the surging Lakers without 3 of their starters. The beginning of the game resembled that of the Clippers on Sunday with the Sixes coming out hot scoring 35 points in the first quarter. They could only hang with the full-strength Lakers for so long, however, with LA outscoring Philly 37-19 (Anthony Davis had 18 himself) in the second quarter. The Sixers sorely miss Embiid down low, scoring only 34 of their 107 points in the paint. LeBron had his usual near triple-double contributing 22 points, 14 boards and 7 assists of his own. His 3 from the logo in the 3rd quarter pretty much nullified any optimism remaining after the half.

Logo LeBron 💰 pic.twitter.com/SF6g12Z9LW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 4, 2020

Glenn Robinson III Steps Up

Robinson has been vocal about not being sure what his role is with the Sixers to this point. Having a career year in Golden State prior to the trade and looking to get paid this coming offseason, the frustration was warranted from my perspective. Shake Milton (12 points) & Tobias Harris (18 points) had the full attention of the Lakers defense and GRIII picked up the slack. After going 0/8 from 3 since being traded, he knocked down ⅗ from deep finishing with 25 points. When Embiid and Simmons return, it’ll be vital for GRIII to get into a rhythm. 

What Anthony Davis Did To Horford Was Criminal

It’s officially time to dismiss any expectations we had left for Al Horford. The man is cooked and has somehow aged 5 years over the last 6 months. AD literally did anything he wanted while being defended by Horford ending the game 37 points and 13 rebounds on 13/19 shooting. Horford finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds on 2/8 shooting, allowing 6’2” Avery Bradley to wrestle the ball from him in the process. The Sixers defense allowed the Lakers to shoot 54% from the field. Oddly enough, they were most effective with Mike Scott at center.

Avery Bradley bullying Al Horford 🔥 Lake Show going crazy pic.twitter.com/kVc1tfgHPB

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) March 4, 2020

This marks the Sixers 9th straight loss away from home, making them 9-23 on the road this season. They’ll look to snap that streak against the Kings tomorrow night.