The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers have cooled down of late, but they are still threats to each other in the dog-eat-dog world of the Eastern Conference. With that said, read on for more about this intriguing showdown in the City of Brotherly Love.

Catch this game live on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 8:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Cleveland Cavaliers (36-18/17-8 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Darius Garland
  • Donovan Mitchell (DTD)
  • Max Strus
  • Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

The Cavs took a stumble in their first game since the All-Star Break, as they suffered a 116-109 loss to the Orlando Magic at home on Friday. However, Cleveland did not have the services of Donovan Mitchell in that game due to illness. Mitchell attended his team’s shootout before the Orlando game so that’s a good sign pointing to his availability in this matchup versus the Sixers. 

During the Cavs’ 123-121 loss to Philly in Cleveland on Feb. 13, Mitchell erupted for 36 points, but their offense failed to contain the 76ers’ shooting (54.5%). That could very well be just a fluke for Philadelphia, as it is shooting only 47.4 FG% on the season. Conversely, the Cavs shot just 47.8 FG% in that contest, but are posting a 48.4 FG% this campaign. 

Cleveland is 3-1 against the spread in its last four road games.

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Home: Philadelphia 76ers (32-23/17-12 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Tyrese Maxey
  • Buddy Hield
  • Tobias Harris
  • Nicolas Batum
  • Paul Reed

Like the Cavs, the Sixers are also hoping to successfully rebound from a loss on Friday, as they fell prey to the New York Knicks at home, 110-96. The Sixers have now lost two games in a row and six of their last eight outings. 

The absence of Joel Embiid has truly hurt the team, but Philadelphia still has a star it could lean on in Tyrese Maxey, who had 35 points in the Knicks game. On the season, Maxey is averaging 25.9 points per game. Sixers newcomer Buddy Hield has also provided a boost for the Sixers. Through five games in Sixers threads, the former Sooners hotshot has averaged 20.6 points and shot 44.9 3FG%. He had 24 points with five 3-pointers in the last Sixers-Cavs meeting.

Philadelphia enters Saturday with a 3-1 ATS record in its last four home games versus the Cavs.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Cavs (+4.0) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (228.5) hits the Over.

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