It’s the final game before the All-Star break for the 76ers as they look to go into the break on a high note following a showdown with the Cavaliers tonight at The Center. The Sixers have won three games in a row and are now 37-19 with game number 57 tonight, the final contest before the break. They remain third in the Eastern Conference standings. Two and a half games back of the Milwaukee Bucks for second place and three back of the top-seeded Boston Celtics. The 76ers hold down the third spot in the East. They hold a one-game lead over the fourth-seed Cleveland Cavaliers. They come in with a 38-22 record while riding a seven-game winning streak. An important storyline going into tonight.
On November 30th in Cleveland, the Cavaliers hosted the 76ers and walked away with a big win, 113-85. The Cavs shot a scorching hot 61 percent from the field. Five players finished in double-figures. Caris Levert came off the bench to shot an efficient 8 for 11 in 33 minutes. Totaling a game-best 22 points, including three triples on four tries. Darius Garland scored 21 on 9 for 16 shooting, making three from deep.
Philadelphia had just two players score in double digits. Joel Embiid led the way with 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Shake Milton added 14, three, and three. As a team, the 76ers shot 41.6 percent from the field and just 23 percent from long distance. Knocking down just six from beyond on 26 attempts. The Sixers were without both James Harden and Tyrese Maxey for the game as they missed time while dealing with foot injuries.
The Cavaliers have won seven in a row after a 117-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Mitchell exploded for 41 points to pace all scorers. Going 16 for 26 from the floor and 6 for 13 from behind the three-point line in 37-plus minutes of play.
Probable Starters:
PHI: Embiid, Harris, Tucker, Melton and Harden
CLE: Allen, Mobley, Okoro, Mitchell and Garland