Overview
- Cleveland beat Philadelphia 133-107 on Wednesday, with Donovan Mitchell posting 35 points and nine assists and Evan Mobley adding 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, as the Cavs logged 41 assists — the most by a Sixers opponent this season.
- The Cavaliers ruled out Darius Garland (right great toe soreness) and Sam Merrill (right-hand sprain) for Friday; Garland’s soreness is on the opposite foot from his offseason toe surgery and his return timetable is unclear.
- Philadelphia’s injury report lists Dominick Barlow questionable with a back contusion, while Joel Embiid and Paul George are probable under left knee injury management.
- Nick Nurse said planned imaging for Barlow was canceled after he woke up feeling better, and the forward took light shots at practice.
- Cleveland also lists Max Strus (left foot surgery) and Dean Wade (left knee contusion) as out, and the Cavs are expected to start Craig Porter Jr. alongside Mitchell with Lonzo Ball likely to see increased minutes at point guard.