Philadelphia’s opener showed several ways to score and a strong response after halftime. It also showed a problem finishing defensive possessions, as New York collected far more offensive rebounds while missing heavily. Cleveland brings two lead guards and several frontcourt targets to test whether those extra chances become points.
Maxey, James and Brown can create around Embiid, and Philadelphia answered a late Knicks push through more than one scorer. Across from them, Harden and Mitchell can run separate attacks, while Mobley, Allen and Hezonja can turn a missed first shot into another look. The contest between Embiid and Cleveland’s bigs, followed by the battle for the defensive rebound, is the centre of this game.
Allen played in Cleveland’s last preseason game and has said he expects to play after being listed questionable; Cleveland’s reserve bigs Tomlin and Diop were absent from its recent games. Philadelphia’s reported reserve absences were also reflected in its opener, and Wade missed that game. Cleveland arrives with more rest, while Philadelphia has recent competitive rhythm. I expect Philadelphia to test the interior early, then Cleveland’s guard creation and second chances to keep pressure on its defense through the middle and late stages. That’s why I’m siding with Cleveland to win.
