The Sixers are coming off another convincing loss to the Cavaliers, falling 133–107. Their third and final opportunity to secure a regular-season win against Cleveland comes Friday night, when they’ll once again host the Cavs.
Coming off a matchup just 24 hours earlier, the Sixers were outworked and outplayed on nearly every front. Cleveland caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down 20 threes, with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland combining for 55 points compared to just 25 from the Sixers’
backcourt. Evan Mobley was dominant on the glass, pulling down 13 rebounds and single-handedly out-rebounding Joel Embiid (4), Paul George (4) and Jabari Walker (4). Defensively, the Cavs were stifling, completely neutralizing Philadelphia’s backcourt and throwing the Sixers’ offensive sets into disarray.
This time around, there will be a few subtle differences. Garland, who scored 20 points, will miss this game, which would shake up Cleveland’s game plan. He suffered a leg and/or toe injury in their last outing and did not return. That absence should lead to more minutes for Lonzo Ball and likely Craig Porter Jr., who would soak up some of the guard workload. Mitchell would also be expected to take on additional playmaking responsibilities.
For the Sixers, the goal will be a stronger performance across the board. That starts with Tyrese Maxey, who turned in a rare off night, shooting just 5-of-16 from the floor. His backcourt partner, VJ Edgecombe, was also quiet, scoring only nine points on 3-of-10 shooting. With Garland likely out, both players will need to step up and deliver the kind of performances we’ve come to expect.
The Sixers also lost Dominick Barlow in their last game after he took a nasty fall. While X-rays came back negative, he could miss this game (more on that below). That likely would mean extended minutes for Jabari Walker. Walker played a limited role in the last game, but he brought good energy, hustled on the glass, and had some positive moments. The Sixers may lean on him more here, as he’s likely to draw the bulk of the Mobley assignment and be tasked with keeping the rebounding disparity to a minimum.
Injury report wise, things appear to be mostly good. Embiid and George are probable, with Kelly Oubre listed as available. Barlow is listed as questionable with a back contusion. The Cavs have a new addition to their injury report, with Garland ruled out in advance due to great toe soreness. Sam Merrill (hand sprain), Max Strus and Dean Wade are other key Cavaliers who will not be available.
The Sixers dropped the first game of this regular-season mini-series between the two clubs. The same was true against the Toronto Raptors, where they responded by winning the second leg of that back-to-back. Let’s see if the Sixers can replicate that success and split these two games against the Cavs.
Game Details
When: Friday, January 16, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: ESPN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
