The Los Angeles Lakers haven't won two straight games since winning three straight from Nov. 16-20 and haven't won two straight road contests all season. They now have the chance to do just that against a Philadelphia 76ers team that is missing its top playmaker in guard Jrue Holiday.

But it isn't as if the Lakers are at full strength. Their permanent excuse for not playing well is still in tact as Steve Nash will miss another game with a broken leg. Nash is expected to start practicing again next week but has only played in two games this season. His backup, Steve Blake, is out with an injury as well, leaving Chris Duhon as the starting point guard.

The Lakers will also be without Pau Gasol again as he deals with knee tendinitis. It will be his eight straight missed game.

But the Lakers still have Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard and have to still fight to get into some sort of rhythm by winning two games in a row. This is a prime opportunity in Bryant's old high school stomping grounds.

Game Time: 3 p.m. PT