Philadelphia @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 25, 2020 ) L.A. Lakers 91, Philadelphia 108

LeBron James is now a co-favorite for NBA MVP honors and he looks to record another stellar outing when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. James registered 34 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for his 13th triple-double of the season as the Lakers posted a 122-114 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

James is now five shy of matching his career best for triple-doubles in a season after controlling the contest with fellow All-Star Anthony Davis (knee) sidelined. "Obviously, spectacular performance by LeBron James," Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters afterward. "His shot-making was ridiculous from both in the post, with turnaround jump shots, and at the 3-point line. When they brought double-teams, he is one of the best passers in the league." The 76ers will again be without All-Stars Joel Embiid (shoulder) and Ben Simmons (back) and they will be looking to snap an eight-game road losing streak when they face the Lakers in the second contest of a four-game trip. Philadelphia lost 136-130 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday to start the excursion.

TIME: 10 p.m. ET. TV: TNT, Spectrum SportsNet

ABOUT THE 76ERS (37-24): Shake Milton was dropped from the rotation in mid-February but that doesn't appear to be anything he needs to fear again in the near future after he established career highs of 39 points and seven 3-pointers in the loss to the Clippers. "It kind of just happened randomly. I was ready as soon as there was the opportunity," Milton told reporters of his superb performance. "Once the first couple ones knocked down, especially the first 3, I felt pretty good. It definitely feels cool." Brown said Milton, who is averaging 8.8 points in 28 games (12 starts) with the 76ers, will receive more opportunities down the stretch.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (46-13): Los Angeles has won eight of its last nine games and a showdown with reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks awaits on Friday. Davis' ailment isn't considered serious and he will likely be back in the lineup against the 76ers. James is averaging 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and a league-best 10.6 assists and he has topped 30 points in four of his last six appearances while continuing his stellar passing that includes 37 double-digit assists outings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers won the past three meetings, including a 108-91 home triumph on Jan. 25.

2. Los Angeles PG Alex Caruso (hamstring) could miss his second straight game.

3. Philadelphia SG Josh Richardson (concussion) was injured against the Clippers and is in the NBA protocol.

PREDICTION: Lakers 118, 76ers 102