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UPCOMING MILESTONES: Lebron needs one more three-pointer to be the first Cavalier to make 1,000 for the franchise. Kyrie Irving needs 13 fields goals to pass Campy Russell for 9th most in Cavaliers’ franchise history.
After losing to the Chicago Bulls, the Philadelphia 76ers look to finish off a five game home stand with the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. With a 4-12 record, the 76ers are currently last in the Eastern Conference, but have actually won three of their last six games. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers continue to dominate with range, coming off of their record-setting second consecutive game with 20 or more three-pointers made and sitting at 12-2, the best 14 game start in Cavaliers’ history. These two teams have met once already this season – on November 5th the Cavaliers came out with a razor-thin 102-101 victory.
As a team, the 76ers shoot at percentages below average in most ranges except from beyond the three-point arc and at the rim. Within three feet from the rim, they have actually averaged the 4th best FG% in the league. They are shooting the 9th highest percentage of their shots from beyond the arc, while also shooting the 10th best 3PT%. One issue with Philadelphia’s offense is that they are turnover prone – they average a league high 17.9 turnovers per game. In addition, they haven’t been efficient on crashing the offensive board, averaging the second least amount of offensive rebounds per game.
On defense, they’ve managed to keep their opponents below average on three-pointers. Inside, however, teams are shooting above average in the 0-3 feet range, the 3-10 feet range, and the 10-16 feet range. While they’ve been nothing short of poor in securing offensive rebounds, they’ve been able to secure the 8th most defensive rebounds per game in the league with 35.3. Furthermore, even though they do give up above-average percentages within 3 feet, they have averaged 6.0 blocks per game, second best in the NBA. Partially as a product of their turnovers, the 76ers are allowing a league worst 18.8 points per game off of their opponents’ fast breaks.
Key players to watch for on the 76ers will be Joel Embiid – averaging 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game – Ersan Ilyasova – averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game – and Jerryd Bayless – averaging 11.0 points and 4.3 assists per game.
Tipoff is set for 1:00 PM EST and will be broadcast on FOX Sports Ohio.
