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Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs are poised to exploit the 76ers' poor defense.
Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The 76ers can’t stop anyone amid this disaster of a season.
Philadelphia has the ninth-worst defensive net rating in the league just over halfway through the season, but that undersells just how bad its been lately.
Over their last five games, the 76ers have been the worst team in the NBA on the defensive end – by far.
Their 128.6 defensive rating over that stretch is nearly five points worse than the next-worst team, the San Antonio Spurs (123.8).
Cavaliers vs. 76ers odds
| Cavaliers | -10.5 (-105) | -470 | o228.5 (-110) |
| 76ers | +10.5 (-115) | +360 | u228.5 (-110) |
Philly has allowed at least 115 points in all of those games, including a season-high 144 points to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
It’s not getting any easier Friday.
Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense during the game against the New York Knicks on January 15, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Cavaliers, who come into this game with a staggering NBA-best 36-7 record, have the top offense in the league, scoring 127.1 points per game with a 120.9 offensive net rating.
Cleveland torched Philadelphia when they faced off last month, winning 126-99 while resting its starters for large parts of the fourth quarter.
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The Sixers don’t have the size to match up with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen – Andre Drummond, who plays little defense aside from his work on the boards, has been the team’s primary center while Joel Embiid is sidelined.
And the Cavs’ guard duo – Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell – should have their way with Tyrese Maxey and Eric Gordon, who don’t provide much on the defensive end.
Even Paul George, who was supposed to come to Philly as the best third option on the offensive end in the NBA with strong perimeter defense, has been letting opponents blow by him all year.
Bet Cleveland’s offense to cook Friday.
The play: Cavaliers Over team total 119.5 (-110, DraftKings)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
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