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Philadelphia 76ers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers expect a boost Wednesday night when two-time All-Star Darius Garland makes his season debut against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena, with NBCS carrying the broadcast.
Garland’s return comes after offseason surgery on his left big toe, and his presence should lift a Cavaliers offense that ranks 23rd in scoring at 114.1 points per game. Cleveland’s depth has been tested, but Donovan Mitchell has carried the load with 37 points in Sunday’s win over Atlanta.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia arrives on tired legs after blowing a 24-point lead in a 113-111 loss at Chicago. Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points, though the Sixers missed their final 11 shots. Joel Embiid (knee management) is expected to sit, leaving Maxey to lead a team that still ranks among the league’s best offensively.
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest NBA odds Cleveland opened as a 9.5-point favorite but has moved to -10.5 at most sportsbooks. The Cavaliers moneyline sits around -425, with the 76ers at +336, and the total holding steady at 233.5.
Early action leaned toward the Sixers with sharp bettors grabbing the double-digit cushion, while public money has favored Cleveland at home with Garland returning. Books report balanced action on the total after some initial movement toward the under.
Matchup Breakdown
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook:
Cleveland’s strength lies in its perimeter shooting. The Cavaliers rank fourth in the NBA with 15.9 threes per game, led by Mitchell’s scoring efficiency. Even without Jarrett Allen and Max Strus, their offensive spacing and ball movement have improved with Evan Mobley anchoring the defense.
Philadelphia 76ers Outlook:
The Sixers are top-five in scoring (123.6 PPG) and third in three-point accuracy (40.2%). Maxey has blossomed into a premier scorer, averaging over 33 points last week while earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. Their defense remains top-tier against the arc, holding opponents to 31.9% from deep.
If Embiid sits, Philadelphia’s ability to rebound and defend inside becomes a concern, especially against Mobley and the Cavs’ frontcourt rotation.
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Injuries and Conditions
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Darius Garland (toe) – probable for season debut
- Jarrett Allen (finger) – out
- Max Strus (foot) – out
- Sam Merrill (hip) – questionable
Philadelphia 76ers
- Joel Embiid (knee) – unlikely to play
- De’Anthony Melton (ankle) – questionable
Full updates available on the Cleveland Cavaliers team page and Philadelphia 76ers team page
No weather factor applies, as the game is indoors at Rocket Arena.
Best Bets and Prediction
Cleveland should benefit from Garland’s return, but Philadelphia’s offense is too strong to overlook. The Cavaliers have covered in three of their last four home games, while the 76ers are 5-2 ATS overall.
Projected Score: Cavaliers 118, 76ers 112
Best Bet: 76ers +10.5
Lean: Under 233.5
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