3 Best NBA Prop Bets Today for Lakers vs. Sixers (Back Joel Embiid, Fade Tyrese Maxey)

The Los Angeles Lakers have moved to 4.5-point underdogs against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, as LeBron James is listed as questionable for the game. 

WynnBET Sportsbook seems to be preparing for James to be out, as the Lakers were 2.5-point underdogs prior to him landing on the injury report. 

Despite James possibly missing the game, I’m still eyeing a few prop bets in this matchup: 

Best Prop Bets for Lakers vs. Sixers 

• Joel Embiid OVER 33.5 Points (-115)
• Russell Westbrook OVER 15.5 (-115)
• Tyrese Maxey UNDER 17.5 Points (-115)

Joel Embiid OVER 33.5 Points (-115)

Joel Embiid is now the betting favorite to win the MVP award at WynnBET Sportsbook, and he’s going up against a Lakers team that has been playing small as of late even with Anthony Davis returning to the lineup. 

The Lakers can put Davis and Dwight Howard on Embiid, but he’s just simply been unstoppable as of late. Embiid has scored 50, 40, 38 and 42 points in his last four games and has moved his season average to 29.0 points per game. 

I think he takes advantage of a middle of the road Lakers’ defense (16th in defensive rating) at home tonight. 

Russell Westbrook OVER 15.5 (-115)

Russell Westbrook is averaging 18.5 points per game this season, and while he hasn’t been too efficient, I think this prop number is a little low on Thursday. 

If LeBron is unable to go, Westbrook would immediately become the primary ball handler for the Lakers in this game. He’s averaging 17.5 points per game over his last six games and cleared this prop number three times in that stretch. 

I’ll bet on Westbrook to have a solid game, especially if James misses tonight. 

Tyrese Maxey UNDER 17.5 Points (-115)

Tyrese Maxey is averaging 16.6 points per game this season, but he’s coming off a 10-point game in the Sixers’ win over the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Maxey hasn’t been a lock to score a ton of points this season, clearing this prop in four of his last eight games since returning to the lineup. I don’t think it’s impossible for him to score over 17.5 points, but I’ll fade him with Embiid dominating as of late.

Peter Dewey’s betting record is 102-106-2 (-13.38 units) in the NBA this season. You can find all of his picks here.