The Cleveland Cavaliers will face an early acid test as they will open their new season against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers failed to land LeBron James, who signed with the 76ers, in free agency, and it will be interesting to see how the fanbase reacts.
Cleveland will visit Philadelphia at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22.
The Cavaliers will be the second opponent of James in his first season with the 76ers, as they will face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on opening night on October 20.
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Last season, the Wine and Gold swept Philadelphia in their four meetings, winning by an average margin of 13.2 points. They, however, lost their opening assignment against the Knicks, 119-111.
The Cavaliers aggressively pursued the 41-year-0ld James in free agency, with James Harden even declining his $42.3 million player option to give the Cavaliers more financial flexibility. Cleveland did not have to sell hard on the four-time MVP, as he has always had an affinity for his hometown team, which he led to the much-coveted championship in 2016.
Many felt that a second reunion with the Cavaliers would be the ideal choice for James, as it would be a full-circle moment ahead of his looming retirement. The four-time champion, however, felt he had a better chance to win a fifth ring with the 76ers.
Meanwhile, Cleveland has yet to sign Harden to a new contract. The veteran guard, however, is not pressing the front office, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears.
The Cavaliers will open their preseason schedule versus the Boston Celtics on October 8.