NBA Game of the Week: 76ers vs. Cavs
With these two teams being only one game apart from each other in the Eastern Conference standings, the Philadelphia 76ers will be facing the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The game will be played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
As previously stated, the 76ers are only one game ahead of the Cavs which means a lot for the standings heading into the All-Star break. Both teams are third and fourth respectively in the East and could definitely use this win as positive momentum for after the break.
Starting with the Cavaliers, they are currently on a seven game win streak and are sitting at a 38-22 record. The main man for this squad is none other than Donovan “Spida” Mitchell who has been an amazing addition to the team. Mitchell is averaging 27.2 points per game and is shooting field goals at 48%.
That sure dependability is exactly what the Cavaliers have been looking for since their firesale of their championship winning team. Alongside Mitchell, the Cavaliers also have a very strong young core consisting of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Isaac Okoro along with Caris LeVert off the bench. Garland is also averaging over 20 points per game currently sitting at 21.6.
With this team being a pleasant surprise and success to the NBA, they seek to continue their hot streak against a juggernaut in the 76ers.
The city of Philadelphia has now put a lot of pressure onto the 76ers after disappointment has struck fans in every other major sport in their past season. Just like those other teams, the 76ers look like contenders being led by Joel Embiid and James Harden who are perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates.
The 76ers sit at 37-19 which puts them at third in the East and they are also currently on a win streak. Although it is not as high as the Cavaliers, the 76ers have won their past three straight games and look to add to their streak by ending another one. Three big men are currently listed as questionable for this game, centers Embiid and Dewayne Dedmon as well as power forward P.J. Tucker. With Embiid and Tucker being starters, that would be a big blow for the squad if they are unable to compete.
Embiid leads the team averaging a double double with 33.2 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. He’s not the only 76er averaging a double double as Harden is averaging 21.5 points per game and 10.8 assists per game. With those two stars along with star role players Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey, this team can match up with any other in the entire NBA.
In their last five matchups, the 76ers have beaten the Cavaliers four games to one with the Cavaliers taking the only one that took place this season. Injuries and player rest aside, this is a strong matchup between two teams that will likely be looking to make the playoffs at the end of the regular season.
Joey David is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email jtd5508@psu.edu.
