The Tip-Off: Sixers seek season sweep as they visit Cleveland

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming into an easy stretch, according to the opposing teams’ records, of their schedule. After a Joel Embiid takeover game in a win versus the Hawks, Philly finds themselves visiting another team at the bottom of the standings.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (16-41) will host the Sixers (36-22) Wednesday night. This is the fourth meeting between the teams this season, with Philly looking to pick up their sixth straight win against Cleveland, and sweep the Cavs for the first time since the 2011-2012 season.

Coverage will begin at 6:30 p.m. with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Radio coverage will be on 97.5 The Fanatic.

Injury Update:

Sixers:

After being doubtful heading into the win over the Hawks, Tobias Harris played 35 minutes, scoring 25 points. Harris is well, and is off of the injury report.

Ben Simmons received a medical update Tuesday afternoon. The 6’10 Australian point guard will miss “at least two weeks” with a nerve impingement.

Ben Simmons will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks for nerve impingement in lower back, but there's little expectation that he'd be ready to return to lineup that soon, sources tell ESPN. Doctors are hopeful treatment can drive improvement, but Sixers are preparing to play without him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 25, 2020

Shake Milton started in place of Simmons Monday night. After a strong start to the game, Milton failed to score in the second half en route to his seven points. Josh Richardson served as the team’s primary ball handler throughout the game as well, with Furkan Korkmaz nearly matching his season high of 31 minutes played.

Norvel Pelle missed Monday’s game against the Hawks with an illness, and will likely return to the Sixers’ bench Wednesday night.

Cavs:

Alfonzo Mckinnie has missed the past three games for the Cavaliers, as he is dealing with a plantar’s fascia issue in his left foot. He is still listed on their injury report heading into Wednesday’s game.

Dante Exum left Monday night’s game against the Heat with a left ankle sprain, and didn’t return. He is already ruled out for the match up against the Sixers.

Under the Microscope: Cleveland Cavaliers

Recent Game: 125-119 OT win over Miami Heat, have won 3 of their last 4
8-22 home record
Points per game: 106.6, 95.3 PPG against Philly this season
Points against per game: 115.1, 117.7 against Philly this season
Top scorer: Colin Sexton (19.7 PPG)

Prediction

This season has been a total Jekyll and Hyde for Philadelphia when examining their home and road play. However, the Cavaliers have had trouble winning no matter the arena this season, and this one should be an easier win for the Sixers.

I imagine the Sixers’ having Raul Neto instead of Shake Milton in the starting lineup tonight, but with minutes being spread to a number of guys. Josh Richardson will need to step up defensively against Colin Sexton with Ben Simmons being out as well. Simmons has largely contributed to keeping Sexton to a mere 15 points this season against Philly.

Sixers win 117-102 and snap their six game road losing skid.