What To Expect In Second 76ers-Cavaliers Matchup

In their most recent game, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors by a score of 119-95 this past Saturday night, sweeping a three-game road trip and winning their ninth consecutive contest.

Tonight, the Wine and Gold will play their first of two home games before the NBA All-Star Break as they host the Philadelphia 76ers.

Here are four things to expect in the second matchup between these two teams this season.

1. No Joel Embiid

According to the NBA’s 3:30 p.m. Injury Report, Philadelphia center Joel Embiid is out for tonight’s contest due to a meniscus procedure in his left knee.

Embiid had an impressive game against the Cavaliers back on November 21, totaling 32 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and two steals.

2. An All-Star Reserve Matchup

Tonight will be the first time Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey will face each other this season. Mitchell missed the first meeting between the Cavaliers and 76ers due to a right hamstring strain.

The two guards were named 2024 Eastern Conference All-Star reserves last week, as both are averaging over 25 points per game this season.

3. Garland Scoring in Bunches

Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland is due for a substantial scoring performance. In seven games since returning from a fractured jaw, the 24-year-old is averaging just 11.6 points per contest.

Garland led Cleveland and tied a game-high with 32 points in the Wine and Gold’s last game against the 76ers.

4. A New Philadelphia Addition Shooting Well

Before last week’s NBA Trade Deadline, Philadelphia traded for swingman Buddy Hield.

The 31-year-old has made an immediate impact in his first two games with the 76ers, averaging 4.0 three-pointers per game and shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc.