Sixers look for sixth straight win in Cleveland as LeBron James returns to Rocket Arena

The Sixers visit Rocket Arena on Friday night looking for their sixth straight win, and the Cavaliers get their first chance to answer the loss that has followed them since Oct. 22. Tip is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video and NBC Sports Philadelphia.

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Sixers vs. Cavs Rematch Starts With the Oct. 22 Collapse

The 76ers erased a 29-point deficit against Cleveland in the home opener. Before that night, teams were 65-0 in the shot-clock era when leading by 20 or more at halftime of a season opener. The Cavs became the first to lose.

Cleveland has since dropped two straight in a home-and-home against a shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder team. The 76ers are trying to go 2-0 on this three-game trip and 2-0 in NBA Cup play.

LeBron James Returns To Cleveland Again

LeBron James left the Lakers and picked the Sixers over a possible third stint with the Cavaliers. Cleveland got an in-person free agency meeting with him and still lost him. James believed Philadelphia gave him a better chance to win a championship, which would be the franchise’s first since 1983.

He is an Akron native, so every trip back carries weight. Expect a loud building and an unfriendly one.

Sixers Lineup And Injury Report

The 76ers are expected to start Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James and Joel Embiid. The 76ers list Dominick Barlow (low back stress reaction) and Ariel Hukporti (right Achilles tear) as out. Adem Bona (cervical spine sprain) is doubtful.

Cleveland has the bigger injury problem. Jarrett Allen (right knee contusion), Tyrese Proctor (left ankle sprain) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) are questionable. Jaylon Tyson is out for a fourth straight game, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin is also out. Sixers Wire lists Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley and Allen as the probable Cavs starters, so Allen’s status matters most against Embiid.

Why The Sixers Should Win In Cleveland

Philadelphia is a 2.5-point favorite with the total at 228.5. The Sixers have the deeper starting five, and the Cavs are on a back-to-back with the reigning champion Knicks coming in Saturday.

Cleveland has also struggled to finish. It blew a 29-point lead in the opener, then lost twice to a shorthanded Thunder team. The Sixers have won five straight.

Maxey and Edgecombe set the pace. Brown and James handle the wings. Embiid controls the paint if Allen is limited. The Cavs need 48 full minutes to beat the Sixers, and they have not played one against them yet.

Pick: Sixers.