Anthony Davis vs. Joel Embiid: Who Wins Monday's Matchup of Elite Centers?

The Lakers are in Philadelphia Monday, facing a Sixers team with the reigning MVP who is playing at a similar level this year, in Joel Embiid. It will be, as it always is when Anthony Davis faces off against other elite, MVP-level players, a measuring game for Davis. The scrutiny is always going to be there, because the perception (and, frankly, the reality) is that for whatever reason—sometimes his fault, sometimes not—Davis simply has too many games where you can't feel his impact. Even when some stars don't play well, the best players are always a presence. And the biggest criticism some have of AD is that there are too many games where you just don't notice he's there. Will this be one? History says no, because Davis has played very well in limited action against Philadelphia over the last couple of seasons, including games where he's outplayed Embiid. He's coming off a huge game Saturday in Cleveland. He knows the questions are out there, and whatever he does will be under major scrutiny. The Lakers are expecting a big performance, as are fans, as is A.D., and if he can deliver, the Lakers have a chance to start the trip 2-0, and really build some meaningful momentum. A win will likely require another big contribution from Max Christie, who had his best moments of the season against the Cavs, on both sides of the ball. Especially if Cam Reddish (questionable) is still sidelined, the Lakers will need Christie to match up against Tyrese Maxey, who has been crushing it for Philly to this point this season. Fans have been hoping to see more of Christie, and hope Saturday's performance was something of an arrival. If it is, it means he stays in the rotation in a significant way. But if that's true... who drops out, once the Lakers have all, or at least most, of their rotation back? Could Gabe Vincent be Wally Pipp-ed? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis vs. Joel Embiid. SEGMENT 2: Why do games like this seem to matter more for AD's rep than other stars? What could AD do to change the way his off games are viewed? SEGMENT 3: Max Christie. Should he play more? And if he does, who plays less? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices