Sixers vs. Cavaliers NBA Cup matchup, Digi Mart USA News (Cleveland, Ohio): The Philadelphia 76ers just keep rolling. After a 112-106 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, they sit comfortably atop the Eastern Conference with an 8-1 record.
Next up on Friday, the Sixers continue on the road in their second matchup against the Cavaliers, which is also their next NBA Cup game. Philadelphia has also added a new name to its injury report: center Adem Bona is listed as doubtful with a cervical spine sprain.
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen is questionable with a right knee contusion.
The Cavaliers have not gotten off to the best start, sitting at 4-4. Their small early sample ranks 15th in net rating at +1.9, thanks largely to a ninth-ranked offense.
Their defense has been the bigger concern, ranking only 21st.
Philadelphia’s dramatic 29-point comeback to beat Cleveland last month showed how dangerous the Sixers can be when their stars click. Tyrese Maxey finished with a team-high 32 points, and Jaylen Brown and Maxey each scored 17 points in the second half to power the rally.
Maxey had his quietest night of the season on Wednesday, shooting 5-of-16 against Detroit, but he still averages 28.0 points on a 60.7 true shooting percentage. Donovan Mitchell remains Cleveland’s biggest threat.
He scored 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting in the previous meeting and is averaging 21.9 points with a 59.9 true shooting percentage this season.
Rebounding will be another key factor. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen form a towering frontcourt that is not an ideal matchup for Philadelphia’s depleted big man rotation.
Still, the Sixers moved from the bottom half of the league in defensive rebound percentage to ninth after beating Detroit. Embiid grabbed 15 rebounds and James added 10 in that win.
With Bona doubtful, Jabari Walker could see increased minutes. He will face a challenge at 6-foot-7 against Cleveland’s size.
Embiid scored 24 points in the previous meeting, including 15 in the second half, and Brown was efficient as well after posting his first 30-point game as a Sixer on Wednesday, shooting 11-of-19 overall and 3-of-5 from three.
The game is scheduled for Friday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
It will be broadcast on NBCSP/PCK-PHI and Prime Video, with radio coverage on 97.5 The Fanatic.
