The 76ers are unstoppable in the midst of this mid-season disaster.
Philadelphia has the ninth-worst defensive net rating in the league after the midway point of the season, but that underestimates just how bad their defensive net rating has been lately.
Over the past five games, the 76ers have been the worst team in the NBA defensively — so far.
Their defensive rating of 128.6 during that period is nearly five points worse than the next worst team, the San Antonio Spurs (123.8).
Cavaliers vs 76ers odds
| team | spread | money line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| cavaliers | -10.5 (-105) | -470 | o228.5 (-110) |
| 76ers | +10.5 (-115) | +360 | u228.5 (-110) |
Philadelphia has allowed at least 115 points in all of those games, including a season-high 144 points against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
Friday doesn't get any easier.
The Cavaliers enter this game with an incredible record of 36 wins and 7 losses, the best in the NBA, and boast the league's top offense, scoring 127.1 points per game and posting an offensive net rating of 120.9.
Cleveland electrified Philadelphia in last month's matchup, winning 126-99 while resting its starters for much of the fourth quarter.
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The Sixers don't have the size to match Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen. While Joel Embiid is out, Andre Drummond is the team's go-to center, with little defensive role other than work on the boards.
And the Cavs' guard duo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell should work well with Tyrese Maxey and Eric Gordon, who can't contribute much defensively.
Even Paul George, who was supposed to come to Philadelphia as the best third option on the offensive end in the NBA with a strong perimeter defense, has been beaten by opponents all year.
I'm betting that Cleveland's offense will cook on Friday.
Plays: Cavaliers team total 119.5 (-110, DraftKings)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst in various sports fields. He is especially knowledgeable about the Big 3, MLB, NFL, and NBA.
