The Philadelphia 76ers (6-3) will look to start another win streak while facing the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-5). The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. EST, with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Radio coverage will be on 97.5 The Fanatic.
The betting lines are still working on being set, as Simmons’ status is still up in the air. He is expected to be re-evaluated and Al Horford is also out (rest).
Quick Injury Update
Ben Simmons was initially expected to miss three games with an AC shoulder joint sprain. This is the first time in his (playing) career that he has missed back-to-back games, rather than potentially three straight. He is getting reevaluated today. The 6’10 guard does not want to return unless he is 100%, however, so expect him to sit this one out again.
Al Horford has been ruled out. It was a previously scheduled rest day for the big man. Shake Milton is also doubtful with his knee injury.
Both Simmons and Milton will be evaluated in the morning, according to Keith Pompey.
Know Your Enemy: Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2019 Season
The Cleveland Cavaliers sport a 4-5 record this season. Currently, they are coming off dominating back-to-back wins over the Wizards and Knicks. They have been streaky, however, as they dropped three straight games before those wins. The only (somewhat) notable win this season is a 110-99 win over the Pacers. The Cavs are not the same team as last season. After an awful 19-63 2018-2019 campaign, the young squad looks to be making strides this season.
Key Players
Second-year player Collin Sexton leads the team with 18.6 points per game. Team leader and NBA veteran Kevin Love leads his team with 13.4 rebounds per game. Tristan Thompson has been stellar thus far while averaging career highs in points (16.4) and rebounds (11.3).
Prediction
On paper, this game will be one of the more boring ones for the season. The Cavaliers lack a “star.” so there is no real “marquee matchup” in this game either. Collin Sexton is a shining player in the making, but he may be the most exciting shooter in the game on Tuesday night. Along with this, both Simmons and Horford are likely to be out for the Sixers.
Fully expect the Tobias Harris breakout game in this one as well. Tobi has been one of the only consistent parts of this team. Aside from his lack of taking shots beyond the arc, Harris has played a well-rounded game.
Even with Ben Simmons out, the Philadelphia 76ers should dominate this game from start to finish. Chalk up a 115-103 win in Philadelphia’s favor.
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
