The Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers meet again Thursday night with injury availability once again shaping the matchup at the Wells Fargo Center. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET as both teams look to respond after Cleveland’s lopsided win one night earlier.
Cleveland enters the rematch at 23-19 and coming off a 133-107 road victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Cavaliers have won both meetings this season, including a 132-121 win on Nov. 5, and will attempt to complete a season sweep.
The Cavaliers’ injury report remains significant, led by the continued absence of Darius Garland. The All-Star guard is out with right great toe soreness and will miss his second straight game against Philadelphia.
Garland has averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season, and his absence places added playmaking responsibility on Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell enters the game averaging 29.7 points per contest while shooting nearly 39 percent from three.
Cleveland will also be without Sam Merrill due to a right hand sprain, removing one of the team’s most efficient perimeter shooters. Merrill is averaging 13.8 points while hitting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Max Strus remains sidelined following left foot surgery for a Jones fracture, while Dean Wade is out with a left knee contusion. Two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are also unavailable due to G League assignments.
Philadelphia’s injury report features more uncertainty but better overall availability. Joel Embiid is listed as probable as he continues left knee injury management, a designation that has become routine this season.
Embiid has appeared in 21 games and is averaging 23.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, though his minutes have been closely monitored.
Paul George is also probable with left knee injury management. The veteran wing is averaging 16.0 points and 5.3 rebounds and provides Philadelphia with perimeter scoring and defensive versatility.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is available and expected to play while wearing a brace as he continues recovering from a left knee injury.
Dominick Barlow is questionable with a back contusion, while two-way players MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are listed as doubtful due to G League assignments. Andre Drummond remains available and could see extended minutes if Barlow is ruled out.
Philadelphia enters the game at 22-17 and has dropped seven of its last nine contests. Cleveland, currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, can further separate itself in the standings with another road win.
