Sixers: 5 notable games on 2021-22 schedule

5 notable games on the Sixers’ 2021-22 schedule: Lakers (Jan. 27)

The Lakers are pretty much considered favorites out West. I’m not sure I agree with that assessment, but it’s hard not to star LeBron James and Co. on the calendar. This is also a home game, and the Sixers’ first opportunity to battle the new-look Lake Show.

Philadelphia had no problem keeping Russell Westbrook at bay in the playoffs, and that was with Danny Green on him, not Ben Simmons. How Russ fits into the offense with LeBron James and Anthony Davis — neither of whom are gravity shooters, and both of whom need the ball to succeed — is a question we will have answers to soon enough. Westbrook has never been one to engage with possessions off the ball, but in LA, he will have to.

Traditionally, the Simmons-led Sixers defense has done a good job containing the Lakers. There’s a good chance Simmons is not on the team, or at least not with the team, come January. If that’s the case, it will be interesting to see who draws the LeBron assignment. There’s no one else currently on the roster who qualifies as a natural counter to James’ physical downhill playmaking.

Embiid has taken Anthony Davis to town on multiple occasions and is pretty clearly the more dominant No. 1 player. That said, Davis is not the No. 1 player in LA, and does a lot defensively to harm a team like Philly.

It’s a marquee matchup all around, and will air prime time on TNT.