The Cleveland Cavaliers open up their season against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers.
The Sixers are coming off an impressive 104-100 win over the New York Knicks. Their frontcourt defense held up well against New York — although it helped that Karl-Anthony Towns was in foul trouble — and the late-game offense was impressive. Through one game, the Sixers have to like what they’ve seen from new additions LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
The Cavs don’t have as many high-profile changes, but this could
serve as a debut for three key players this year. Peyton Watson was Cleveland’s big acquisition of the summer. This is his first chance to show that he can be the missing piece in the starting lineup. Mario Hezonja will be playing his first NBA game in six seasons. It’ll be interesting to see how he holds up against Philadelphia’s highly skilled frontcourt. Additionally, rookie Meleek Thomas could be making his debut as well. We’ll see if he’s in the Cavs’ opening-night rotation.
Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0) at Philadelphia 76ers (1-0)
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena – Philadelphia, PA
When: Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 PM
TV: ESPN
Point spread: 76ers -3.5
Cavs injury report: Jarrett Allen – QUESTIONABLE (right knee), Khalifa Diop – OUT (left knee), Nae’Qwan Tomlin – OUT (back)
76ers injury report: Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Dominick Barlow – OUT (back), Ariel Hukporti – OUT (Achiles tear), Tacko Fall – OUT (quad)
Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
76ers expected starting lineup: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Joel Embiid
Cavs jersey: White Association Edition uniform
Previous matchup: The Cavaliers swept the four-game regular-season series, culminating in a 115-101 victory on March 9.
Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats from last season via Cleaning the Glass.
