Cavaliers Face Injury-Riddled 76ers in Friday NBA Showdown

PHILADELPHIA — The Cleveland Cavaliers head to the Wells Fargo Center on Friday to take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the first of back-to-back games for both teams. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Eastern.

Despite Evan Mobley missing his fourth straight game due to a calf strain, the Cavs hold a significant size advantage over a Philadelphia squad that will be without Joel Embiid (knee) and backup center Andre Drummond (toe).

The absence of Embiid and Drummond has allowed the 76ers to start 6-foot-8 Frenchman Guerschon Yabusele. While Yabusele has shown grit and determination, he can’t play all 48 minutes, forcing Philly to adopt unconventional lineups, including deploying Paul George as a small-ball center in recent games. George and Yabusele face an uphill battle against Jarrett Allen, who has a clear edge in size, strength, and interior dominance. Allen’s ability to control the boards and serve as a vertical threat could create headaches for this version of the 76ers.

The Sixers are further depleted by injuries to veteran guard Kyle Lowry (hip) and forward Caleb Martin (hip), leaving Tyrese Maxey as the primary offensive catalyst. Maxey, who has the explosiveness and creativity to score in bunches, will have to shoulder a heavy burden without the supporting cast to draw defensive attention away. Cleveland’s defense, ranked within the top 10 in the league, will likely key in on limiting Maxey’s driving lanes while forcing less experienced Sixers into tough decisions.

Still, Cleveland must remain wary of Kelly Oubre Jr., whose combination of length and athleticism makes him a constant threat in passing lanes. His knack for creating deflections, paired with his explosive leaping ability, could ignite Philadelphia’s transition offense, providing much-needed energy for a 76ers team searching for a spark.

For the Cavs, this matchup presents a prime opportunity for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell to shine. Garland’s vision and craftiness paired with Mitchell’s dynamic scoring create a backcourt tandem that will test Philadelphia’s perimeter defenders. With Allen as a lob threat and the Sixers struggling to protect the rim, Cleveland’s guards should have ample opportunities to carve up the defense both in the pick-and-roll and in isolation.

Although the Cavs enter this matchup as the clear favorites, Kenny Atkinson’s squad knows better than to take a game lightly, especially on the road. The Sixers’ undermanned lineup will be scrappy, relying on hustle and physicality to keep things competitive.

The Cavs, however, have shown an ability to exploit mismatches all season, and Friday’s game provides another chance to display their discipline and focus. Cleveland will aim for a season sweep of the Sixers before heading home to face the second leg of their back-to-back on Saturday against the Houston Rockets.

Here’s what to know about the matchup:

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Series: Final matchup of the regular season.

Where: Wells Fargo Center

When: 7:00 p.m. ET.

The point spread: Cavs minus-9.5; O/U 228.5

TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

CAVS: Out: Evan Mobley (calf); Isaac Okoro (shoulder); Luke Travers (two-way). Questionable: Caris LeVert (wrist)

SIXERS: Out: Joel Embiid (knee); Andre Drummond (toe); Kyle Lowry (hip); Caleb Martin (hip); KJ Martin (foot).