Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Broadcast: Prime Video (national); regional options (NBCS-PH / PCK-PHI).
This is an Emirates NBA Cup East Group B game. The 76ers enter as the East’s top team with a dominant start. The Cavaliers host as slight home favorites despite a .500 record and injury concerns.
Current Rosters
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, LeBron James, VJ Edgecombe, Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dean Wade, Adem Bona, Jabari Walker, plus depth pieces (Justin Edwards, Rayan Rupert, Labaron Philon, Tacko Fall, etc.). Core starting group typically features Maxey, Brown, Edgecombe, James, and Embiid.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill, Mario Hezonja, Meleek Thomas, Craig Porter Jr., Thomas Bryant, plus others (Tyrese Proctor, Peyton Watson, Jaylon Tyson when available). Projected core often includes Harden, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen.
Injury Reports
76ers: Adem Bona (head/neck soreness after exiting the Pistons game early, day-to-day/GTD); Dominick Barlow (lower back stress reaction, out — expected at least another 10–12 days); Ariel Hukporti (Achilles, out for season). Joel Embiid has managed plantar fasciitis but has been available recently (minutes managed at times).
Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen (right knee, day-to-day/GTD — exited early vs. Thunder and did not return); Peyton Watson (hamstring, day-to-day/out in recent reports); Jaylon Tyson (ankle, out/day-to-day); Tyrese Proctor (ankle, day-to-day); Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back, out). Allen’s status is a major swing factor for Cleveland’s frontcourt.
Recent Team Forms
76ers (8-1): Excellent form with a five-game winning streak entering this matchup. Recent results include a 112-106 road win at Detroit, 126-107 home win over Chicago, road win at Charlotte, home win over New York, and road win at Indiana. They average ~111.0 PPG scored and just ~105.2 allowed, ranking among the league’s best defensively early. Strong ball movement and star production (Maxey leading scoring) have driven the hot start; they are 4-0 on the road.
Cavaliers (4-4): Mixed results, currently on a two-game skid after back-to-back losses to Oklahoma City (116-124 road, 112-117 home). Earlier wins include a blowout at Milwaukee and home wins over Washington and Minnesota (OT). They average a high-powered ~119.3 PPG but allow ~117.1. Home record is solid (3-1), but consistency and depth have been tested by injuries.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Tyrese Maxey / Jaylen Brown vs. Donovan Mitchell / James Harden / wings: Maxey (high-20s PPG range) is the 76ers’ primary engine with scoring and playmaking. Brown adds two-way wing production. Mitchell leads Cleveland in scoring (~22.5 PPG); Harden provides secondary creation and shooting. Perimeter defense and transition play will be critical.
Joel Embiid / LeBron James vs. Evan Mobley / Jarrett Allen (if available): Embiid anchors the paint with scoring and rebounding (when healthy/available). James (still highly productive in playmaking/rebounding) creates mismatches. Mobley is a versatile two-way force (~18–19 PPG, strong rebounding); Allen’s rim protection and finishing are key if he plays. Frontcourt physicality and second-chance points loom large.
Supporting casts: Edgecombe and Simons provide secondary scoring/shooting for Philly. Merrill, Hezonja, and role players fill gaps for Cleveland. Bench depth and defensive intensity (76ers have excelled here early) could decide close possessions.
Series History
The teams have a competitive recent history. Philadelphia won the most recent meeting 114-106 on Oct. 22, 2026 (a massive 29-point comeback at home, with Maxey scoring 32). Cleveland has taken several prior games, including multiple wins in 2025-26. Overall historical series is relatively even, with home-court and star health often deciding outcomes. This is the second meeting of 2026-27.
Betting Trends
76ers have been strong ATS and excellent on the road early; their defense keeps totals lower. Cavaliers are mixed ATS (struggling at times as favorites) but strong at home and capable of high-scoring outputs. Recent H2H and form favor Philly’s consistency, while Cleveland’s home edge and scoring punch keep the line close. Injury news (especially Allen) can move the number.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Sixers – 2
Cleveland Cavaliers 229
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, November 5, 2026
