Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers preview: Building momentum
The Cavs look for their fourth straight win.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for their fourth straight win as they host the Philadelphia 76ers at 8 pm. You can watch tonight’s game on Playback with Tony Pesta.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (23-4) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (9-16)
Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse - Cleveland, Ohio
When: 8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 21
TV: NBA TV, Fanduel Sports Network Ohio (previously Bally Sports), NBA League Pass
Line: Cavs -11
Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.
Cavs injury report: Max Strus - OUT (ankle), Isaac Okoro - OUT (ankle), Emoni Bates - OUT (G League), JT Thor - OUT (G League), Luke Travers - OUT (G League), Sam Merrill - PROBABLY (left quad)
76ers injury report: Justin Edwards - OUT (G-League), Joel Embiid - OUT (rest), Paul George - QUESTIONABLE (knee), Jared McCain - OUT (knee), Pete Nance - OUT (G-League)
What to watch for
The Cavs have been taking care of business recently. They decimated the Milwaukee Bucks in a statement victory last night and have been steamrolling teams for most of the season. They’ve won three games in a row by double-digits and enter tonight’s game as 11 point favorites against Philly.
Philadelphia has had a disastrous season with injuries galore. The trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey has played in just four games together. They’ve gone just 2-2 in those games. Embiid will not be available tonight.
Cleveland will look to keep rolling against a reeling Philly team. The Cavs are first in offensive rating over the last two weeks, scoring 126.7 points per 100 possessions. While the 76ers have struggled to score the ball (17th in offensive rating), they do hold the 10th best defensive rating in the NBA during this stretch.
The Cavaliers should pounce on their opponent from the jump and put this game out of reach early. But it’s important they treat this game with the appropriate focus. Philly is desperate to dig themselves out of an early hole. This game shouldn’t be taken lightly.
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You can join in on all of the action HERE. We will be live shortly after 7:30 pm, and you can also listen in right here on FTS in the player below.