Tonight’s matchup in Philadelphia sees two teams in the Eastern Conference standings trying to separate themselves from the play-in pack. The 76ers sit fifth at 22-16, while the Cavaliers trail closely in seventh at 22-19. These teams will also meet again in Philly on Friday, also on ESPN with a 7 p.m. ET tip-off.

Cleveland took the first meeting 132-121 back on November 5 behind a monster 46-point performance from Donovan Mitchell and 47 combined points from Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, that game came against a short-handed 76ers team without Joel Embiid and Paul George. This rematch in Philly has a very different feel.

Cavaliers vs. 76ers NBA Betting Odds

Here are the latest NBA odds for tonight’s Eastern Conference tilt:

• Point Spread: Cavaliers +1 (-110) vs. 76ers -1 (-110)
• Moneyline: Cavaliers (+100) vs. 76ers (-120)
• Total: Over 238.5 (-110) / Under 238.5 (-110)

Cleveland has been one of the league’s worst teams against the spread at 13-28 ATS and just 6-11 ATS on the road. Philadelphia has rewarded bettors all season at 23-15 ATS. Stylistically, a key matchup is Cleveland’s heavy reliance on three-point shooting against a Sixers defence that ranks second in three-point percentage allowed, holding opponents to just 33.5 per cent.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland enters this game looking for stability after an uneven start to January. The Cavs are 3-3 this month and coming off a bad 123-112 home loss to Utah, allowing 60 points combined from point guard Keyonte George and forward Lauri Markkanen. 

Offensively, the Cavs remain efficient, ranking eighth in offensive rating and fourth in turnover rate, while playing at the sixth-fastest pace in the league. Donovan Mitchell continues to carry the attack at 29.5 points per game, the Allen-Mobley front-court provides reliable interior scoring, and Darius Garland’s speed, shot creation, and drive-and-kick mentality facilitate the offence. Injuries to Max Strus and Dean Wade, however, thin an already three-point-dependent rotation.

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia has found its rhythm, going 5-2 in January thus far. After a road-heavy stretch where they played eight of their last 10 away, the Sixers return home healthy. Embiid has looked more like himself as of late, coming off a 27-point performance, now averaging 23.7 PPG on the season, and his presence looms large here after the Cavs dominated Philly in the paint and on the glass the first time around. 

Tyrese Maxey remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers, averaging 30.9 points (third in the NBA), while Philadelphia’s ninth-ranked offensive rebounding gives them valuable second-chance opportunities against the Cavs’ 20th-ranked defensive rebounding. Defensively, the Sixers are disciplined, ranking 11th in defensive rating and excelling at limiting three-point attempts and efficiency.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Cavaliers vs. 76ers?

This sets up as a strong spot for Philadelphia to even the season series. Cleveland’s offence is efficient but overly reliant on three-point volume, and that plays directly into the Sixers’ greatest defensive strength. Philadelphia’s balance and offensive depth will overmatch Cleveland. Both teams should find offensive success in transition, as the Cavs like to play with pace, and the 76ers prefer to get to the charity stripe. Both defences rank 23rd or worse in fast-break points surrendered, while the Cavs are 21st in free-throw attempts allowed. 

Philly crucially and uncharacteristically missed nine free throws in the first meeting. Expect the Sixers to wear down a Cavs team that has struggled to close tight games all season.

Best Bet: Philadelphia 76ers -1.5

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