The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading into Friday night’s rematch against the Philadelphia 76ers with some momentum - and a few more questions than they’d like.
Fresh off a commanding 133-107 win in Philly on Wednesday, the Cavs looked every bit like a team finding its rhythm. Donovan Mitchell was electric, dropping 35 points on an efficient 11-of-22 from the field while also chipping in seven rebounds and nine assists. When Mitchell is in that kind of groove, the Cavaliers’ offense hums, and Wednesday was a prime example.
But that win came at a price.
Darius Garland and Sam Merrill, two key pieces in Cleveland’s backcourt rotation, both left the game with injuries and have already been ruled out for Friday’s contest. Garland injured his toe in the third quarter while scrapping for a loose ball.
Before exiting, he had put together a strong performance - 20 points, seven assists, and three rebounds in just under 30 minutes of action. Merrill, who’s been one of the league’s more underrated sharpshooters this season, left in the first half with a hand injury after logging 10 minutes, three points, and three boards.
That’s a tough blow for a Cavs team that’s been leaning on its depth all season. Garland, averaging 18.0 points and nearly seven assists per game, is the engine behind a lot of what Cleveland does offensively. Merrill, meanwhile, has been a revelation off the bench, shooting a blistering 45.5% from beyond the arc while putting up a career-best 13.8 points per game.
With those two sidelined, head coach Kenny Atkinson will once again have to dig into his rotation. Expect Jaylon Tyson, Lonzo Ball, and Craig Porter Jr. to see increased minutes.
Ball’s veteran savvy and playmaking could be a stabilizing force, while Porter Jr. has flashed enough promise to earn a closer look in a bigger role. Tyson, the rookie, brings size and versatility and could be an X-factor if he can knock down open looks and hold his own defensively.
The good news for Cleveland? Atkinson has shown he can adjust on the fly. Whether it’s tweaking lineups or leaning into his team’s defensive versatility, the Cavs have found ways to stay competitive even when shorthanded.
As for the Sixers, they’re dealing with injury concerns of their own. Joel Embiid and Paul George are both listed as probable as they manage knee issues - a situation worth monitoring right up until tip-off. Dominick Barlow, however, is officially out with a back injury.
If Embiid and George suit up, the Cavs will have their hands full trying to contain two of the league’s most dynamic two-way players. But if either is limited or unavailable, Cleveland has a real shot at sweeping this mini two-game set in Philly - even without Garland and Merrill.
Friday’s matchup will be a test of depth, adaptability, and star power. The Cavs are already proving they can win in different ways. Now they’ll try to do it again, with fewer weapons but plenty of fight.