The Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers meet once more Thursday evening with damage availability as soon as once more shaping the matchup on the Wells Fargo Middle. Tipoff is ready for 7:00 p.m. ET as each groups look to reply after Cleveland’s lopsided win one evening earlier.
Cleveland enters the rematch at 23-19 and coming off a 133-107 street victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Cavaliers have gained each conferences this season, together with a 132-121 win on Nov. 5, and can try to finish a season sweep.
The Cavaliers’ damage report stays vital, led by the continued absence of Darius Garland. The All-Star guard is out with proper nice toe soreness and can miss his second straight recreation in opposition to Philadelphia.
Garland has averaged 18.0 factors and 6.9 assists in 26 video games this season, and his absence locations added playmaking accountability on Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell enters the sport averaging 29.7 factors per contest whereas taking pictures practically 39 p.c from three.
Cleveland can even be with out Sam Merrill as a consequence of a proper hand sprain, eradicating one of many crew’s most effective perimeter shooters. Merrill is averaging 13.8 factors whereas hitting 45.5 p.c from past the arc.
Max Strus stays sidelined following left foot surgical procedure for a Jones fracture, whereas Dean Wade is out with a left knee contusion. Two-way gamers Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are additionally unavailable as a consequence of G League assignments.
Philadelphia’s damage report options extra uncertainty however higher general availability. Joel Embiid is listed as possible as he continues left knee damage administration, a designation that has grow to be routine this season.
Embiid has appeared in 21 video games and is averaging 23.5 factors and seven.0 rebounds, although his minutes have been carefully monitored.
Paul George can also be possible with left knee damage administration. The veteran wing is averaging 16.0 factors and 5.3 rebounds and gives Philadelphia with perimeter scoring and defensive versatility.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is out there and anticipated to play whereas carrying a brace as he continues recovering from a left knee damage.
Dominick Barlow is questionable with a again contusion, whereas two-way gamers MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are listed as uncertain as a consequence of G League assignments. Andre Drummond stays out there and will see prolonged minutes if Barlow is dominated out.
Philadelphia enters the sport at 22-17 and has dropped seven of its final 9 contests. Cleveland, at present seventh within the Jap Convention, can additional separate itself within the standings with one other street win.
