The Sixers are fresh off a strange back-to-back that featured the Toronto Raptors twice. They split the series and will once again face the same team in consecutive games, this time with a night off in between.
Now, they’ll host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Philly.
The Cavs and Sixers already played this year in Cleveland in early November, which ended in a convincing Cavaliers’ W. Since then, times have been tough with the team many pegged as the favorite to come out of the East. As things stand, the Cavs sit at a modest 22-19 record; good enough for the seventh seed in the East and 1.5 games behind the Sixers. They’ll be coming off arguably their worst loss of the season to the Utah Jazz, losing 123-112.
So, what’s been going on with this team that features some of the biggest names in the East? It’s a combination of factors. Injuries have once again played a major role, with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen both missing significant time at various points. Garland in particular has looked a step slower and has struggled mightily around the basket. Allen’s numbers are also down compared to some of his previous seasons. Evan Mobley has been something of a bright spot, as he’s expanded his range, but the team hasn’t been able to recapture the same chemistry between its star-studded backcourt and lengthy frontcourt.
Being in the second apron limited their options for improvement. Their biggest offseason addition was a trade for Lonzo Ball, which has been a huge whiff. Ball has looked like a shell of himself, often appearing disengaged and even being benched outright. The silver lining, as usual, has been Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is averaging nearly 30 points per game at 29.5, along with 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 38.6% from three. The multi-time All-Star is putting together yet another stellar campaign and has quite literally dragged this team to wins.
Coming into this matchup, two factors will likely determine whether the Sixers can split these games or win both outright. The first is containing Cleveland’s top offensive threats, particularly Mitchell. He’ll likely see a revolving door of defenders, including rookie VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and possibly even Dominick Barlow at times. Garland, despite his struggles, is still capable of getting hot from deep. In the past, the Sixers have had some success sticking Tobias Harris on him, which produced better-than-expected results. Given Garland’s issues finishing inside the three-point line, it wouldn’t be surprising if Nick Nurse turns to a forward to defend him at some point.
The other area to watch will be rebounding. Mobley and Allen form one of the lengthiest and most talented frontcourts in the league. Keeping them in check below the rim on both ends will be key to preventing Cleveland from generating extra looks and second-chance possessions. Joel Embiid will likely draw the Allen assignment, while Barlow and possibly Jabari Walker could be tasked with Mobley. This may also be a game where we see extended minutes from the Adem Bona–Embiid pairing to better match Cleveland’s size.
Heading into the game, the Sixers have listed Embiid (knee injury management, adductor soreness), Edgecombe (adductor soreness), and Paul George (knee soreness) as probable. Oubre will be available. For Cleveland, Max Strus and Dean Wade will both be out.
Despite a turbulent season, the Cavaliers still have the firepower and talent to make these next two games difficult. Winning the first would guarantee a split at worst, which should be the minimum goal. Now we’ll see if the Sixers can get it done and increase their margin for error in the game to come.
Game Details
When: Wednesday, January 14, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: ESPN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
