Cavs vs. 76ers: preview, odds, injury report, tv

Philadelphia-Cavs (36-7) goes to Wells Fargo Center on Friday to welcome the Philadelphia 76ers (15-27) in the first of back-to-back matches for both teams. Tipoff is set to 19:00 Eastern.

Despite the fact that Evan Mobley missed his fourth consecutive match due to a lay load, Cavs has a significant size advantage compared to a Philadelphia team that will be without Joel Embiid (Knee) and Backup Center Other Drummond (toe).

The absence of Embiid and Drummond has enabled 76ers to start 6-foot-8 French Guerschon Yabusele. While Yabusele has shown gravel and determination, he cannot play all 48 minutes, forcing Philly to take unconventional arrangements, including inserting Paul George as a small ball center in recent matches.

George and Yabusele are facing a battle uphill against the Jarrett Allen, which has a clear edge in size, strength and inner dominance. Allen’s ability to control boards and serve as a vertical threat can create a headache for this version of the 76s.

Sixers is further depleted by damage to the veteran guard Kyle Lowry (hip) and striker Caleb Martin (hip), leaving Tyrese Maxey as the primary offensive catalyst.

Maxey, who has the explosiveness and the creativity to score in a bunch, will have to carry a heavy burden without supporting role to draw defensive attention. Cleveland’s defense, located among the top 10 in the league, is likely to help limit Maxey’s lanes while forcing less experienced Sixers into difficult decisions.

Nevertheless, Cleveland must remain wary of Kelly Oubre Jr., whose combination of length and athletics makes him a constant threat in passing. His ability to create deflections, paired with his explosive jumping ability, could ignite Philadelphia’s transitional offensive, giving much needed energy to a 76ers team looking for a spark.

For Cavs, this matchup gives an excellent opportunity for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell to shine. Garland’s vision and list together with Mitchell’s dynamic scoring creates a backcourt tooth that will test Philadelphia’s Perimeter defenders. With Allen as a lob-threat and sixers struggling to protect the rim, Cleveland’s guards should have plenty of opportunities to create the defense both in pick-and-roll and in isolation.

Although Cavs enters this match like the clear favorites, Kenny Atkinson’s team knows better than taking a match easily, especially away. Sixers’ submitted lineup will be scraped, and rely on the hustle and bustle of bustling to keep things competitive.

However, Cavs has shown an ability to exploit mismatches throughout the season, and Friday’s match gives another chance to show their discipline and focus.

Cleveland will aim for a seasonweep of Sixers before going home to meet other play in their back-to-back on Saturday against Houston Rockets.