Pelicans, Lakers slender underdogs in NBA midweek matchups

Los Angeles Lakers @ Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers will host a special guest on Tuesday night when Kobe Bryant takes the floor in his hometown for the final time in his 20-year NBA career, leading the Los Angeles Lakers into action as slim 0.5-point underdogs.

Five-time NBA champion Kobe recently announced he will retire at the end of this season, setting the stage for a season-long farewell tour, which kicks off at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.

While Kobe’s illustrious career offers much to celebrate, the Lakers’ recent dismal performance does not.

LA has lost six straight since tallying just their second win of the season, getting blown out by an average margin of 15.7 points and covering the spread just once during their current skid.
Losers of 18 straight SU to start the season, and 28 overall, the 76ers want nothing more than to spoil Kobe’s homecoming.

Philadelphia has come close to picking up their first victory over the past 10 days, keeping it close in their last five games, all on the road, picking up ATS wins in each to improve to 7-2 ATS in their last nine.

The Sixers have lost three straight overall to Los Angeles, however, and have recorded just one SU win over the Lakers in their last eight on their home floor.

Following Tuesday’s clash, the 76ers make the short journey to New York to take on the Knicks on Wednesday, while the Lakers continue their eight-game road swing with a visit to Washington on Wednesday, followed by a date with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

In other NBA betting action on Tuesday night, the Cavaliers are favoured by 9.5 over the Wizards, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 1.5-point favourites against the Orlando Magic, and the Phoenix Suns visit the Brooklyn Nets as 3.5-point favourites.

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