Cleveland is looking to rebound after suffering a 109-90 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while Philadelphia is looking to snap a five-game losing streak.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (19-15)
G Matthew Dellavedova – 4.4 ppg, 3.1 apg
G Dion Waiters - 10.5 ppg, 2.2 apg
F Mike Miller – 2.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg
F Kevin Love – 17.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg
C Tristan Thompson– 9.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg
Philadelphia 76ers (4-28)
G Michael Carter-Williams – 15.42 ppg, 7.3 apg, 6.4 rpg
G K.J. McDaniels – 9.0 ppg, 3.7 apg
F Robert Covington – 12.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg
F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute - 9.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg
C Nerlens Noel – 7.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg
What to watch for:
Can Kevin Love carry the Cavs?
Kyrie Irving will miss this game with a back injury he suffered against Dallas on Sunday, meaning Cleveland will be without two of their big three. They'll have to rely that much more on Kevin Love, who's really stepped his game up since LeBron James went out (28.5 ppg over last two games). The Sixers are one of the worst teams in the league, so as long as Love has another good game, the Cavs should come out on top.
Who steps up for Philly?
This game is a winnable one for the Sixers with all the injuries to the Cavs, but they need someone to step up, take control, and lead them. Carter-Williams' return should bolster them, but they're going to need someone to have a fantastic game for them to win.
Prediction: Cavs win 98-87
Cleveland may be shorthanded, but they still have the best player on the court in Love. Philadelphia is the league's worst offensive team (90.8 ppg), and don't have enough firepower to keep up with the numbers Love should put up in this one.
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