Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 5, 2026)

The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. Both teams are in playoff position in their respective conferences, so the result could matter later in the standings.Player availability is a major storyline entering the game. Philadelphia is dealing with a suspension and monitoring Joel Embiid’s knee, while the Lakers are largely healthy but short on frontcourt depth for this matchup.The Sixers will be without Paul George, and Embiid’s status is uncertain because of right-knee injury management.OUT • Paul George (SF) - Serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA Anti-Drug program. He is expected to return in late March 2026. • Jared McCain (G) - Recently traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and no longer on the roster.QUESTIONABLE • Joel Embiid (C) - Day-to-day as the team manages his knee and minutes. • Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF) - Available but dealing with left-knee soreness and could see reduced playing time.Likely to play (healthy) • Tyrese Maxey (PG) - Leads the offense. • Quentin Grimes (SG) - Important perimeter defender. • Andre Drummond / Charles Bassey (C) - Expected to handle center duties if Embiid is limited or out.Impact: Without George, Philadelphia loses wing defense and another scoring option. If Embiid does not play, the offense will depend heavily on Maxey, while Drummond’s rebounding becomes more important.The Los Angeles Lakers have most of their core available but will miss one rotation big.OUT • Adou Thiero (SG) - Right MCL sprain with no set return date. • Jaxson Hayes (C) - Suspended for one game.QUESTIONABLE • None. LeBron James and Luka Dončić are all expected to play.Likely to play (healthy) • LeBron James (SF) - Averaging over 20 points and five rebounds across his last 10 games while shooting close to 50 percent. • Luka Dončić (SF) - Averaging 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.7 assists.Impact: Hayes’ absence reduces depth in the paint, but the Lakers still rely on their three stars to carry the offense.The Los Angeles Lakers hold a slight all-time edge in the regular-season series at about 148-145.The teams last met on December 7, 2025, when Los Angeles won 112-108 in Philadelphia. LeBron James hit a go-ahead three late, and Dončić finished with a triple-double.The Lakers have won three of the past five meetings. Philadelphia has generally played better at home, while Los Angeles has handled late-game situations well.Philadelphia’s strengths include rebounding and inside scoring when Embiid plays. Maxey gives them a reliable scoring option in pick-and-roll situations.The concerns are perimeter defense without George and turnovers when Maxey is asked to create most of the offense.The Lakers score efficiently near the rim, led by James and Dončić. Rebounding has been an issue, and turnovers can increase when the offense slows down.Dončić vs. Maxey and Grimes: Dončić’s scoring and passing will test Philadelphia’s perimeter defense, especially without George.Embiid vs. James: If Embiid plays, the battle inside becomes central. His post scoring matches up against James’ rim protection.Rebounding: The Sixers usually outrebound opponents by about three per game, while the Lakers rank near the bottom in rebounds. Extra possessions could influence the result.Philadelphia enters the game on a five-game winning streak and is looking for a sixth straight win. The Lakers, at 30-19, are trying to stay in the top five in the Western Conference.Los Angeles opened as a slight home favorite, though Embiid’s questionable status has affected betting markets.This game could come down to availability and adjustments. George remains suspended, Hayes is out, and Embiid’s status is still unclear.If Embiid plays, Philadelphia can focus on scoring inside and controlling the glass. If he sits, the Lakers’ duo of Dončić and James will have a strong chance to dictate the game and add another win in the season series.