After recording another statement win, the Cleveland Cavaliers will look to avoid a letdown when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- The Cavaliers improved to a league-best 24-4 with a 124-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
- Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points and Darius Garland added 16, helping Cleveland make 20 3-pointers.
- The Cavs have won 15 of 16 home games this season.
- Cleveland opened the season with 15 straight wins and is looking to maintain momentum.
- Max Strus returned to the lineup against Milwaukee, scoring nine points on three 3-pointers in his season debut.
- Dean Wade provided a spark, starting in place of Isaac Okoro (sprained shoulder), and scored 15 points with four 3-pointers.
Philadelphia 76ers:
- Philadelphia is climbing back after a 3-14 start to the season.
- The Sixers won for the fourth time in their last five games on Friday, beating the Charlotte Hornets 108-98.
- Joel Embiid returned after missing one game due to a sinus fracture and had 34 points and nine assists.
- Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22, making 4 of 6 from 3-point range.
- Coach Nick Nurse mentioned that Embiid likely will be rested for Saturday’s matchup, but Paul George is expected to play his first back-to-back set of the season.
- George, limited by a bone bruise in his left knee, played 39 minutes in Friday’s victory.
- Philadelphia will look to avenge a 114-106 loss to Cleveland on Nov. 13, when rookie guard Jared McCain scored a career-high 34 points but will miss the rematch due to a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee.
Injuries:
- Cleveland: Isaac Okoro (sprained shoulder) and Max Strus (returning from ankle injury).
- Philadelphia: Joel Embiid (expected to be rested), Jared McCain (lateral meniscus tear).
The Cavaliers will aim to continue their strong season, while the 76ers look to build on their recent improvements. With key players possibly sitting out, both teams will need their supporting cast to step up in this matchup.
