Cavaliers

Dribbles: Sixers on road minus Donovan Mitchell? Cavs will have to really reach high

November 20, 2023

Random dribbles ahead of the Cavaliers’ road game against the 76ers in the NBA In-Season Tournament on Tuesday.

1. I’ll be honest, I don’t like the Cavs’ chances. There, I said it. But going into Philadelphia, without Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) … well, that’s a tough ask.

2. A loss would mean the Cavs are all but officially eliminated from the “Knockout Round” of the In-Season tourney. They’re currently 1-1 in the group stage.

3. On the bright side for the Cavs, I’ve been wrong before and most definitely will be again. So who knows? Maybe they will pull off the upset.

4. But win or lose, it’s hard to complain about how they’ve looked most nights lately. They’ve won three straight and five of seven, two coming without Mitchell, another without Darius Garland and another without Caris LeVert and Mitchell on the same night.

5. Oh, and Isaac Okoro (knee) will miss his seventh straight tonight. Also, backup point guard Ty Jerome (ankle) has played just once, in the season-opener. Some of you have asked, and let me just say, the severity of those injuries is a mystery to me.

6. But a sprained ankle can keep you out 4-6 weeks, and that may be where we are at with Jerome. I have no idea about Okoro. I just know the Cavs miss his perimeter defense — and will put him back in there the very minute he’s healthy.

7. If this team is ever able to keep all its main pieces on the floor for two weeks straight, Cavs fans need to throw a party. I can host.

8. Anyway, this isn’t just a Cavs issue. It’s been leaguewide. Most teams have been missing key guys already from time to time. I know everyone has their theories on injuries, but I just chalk it up to this — dumb luck. NBA players want to play. They’re more upset than you when they can’t.

9. As for the actual game, it would be extremely difficult with Mitchell and Okoro. Sixers center and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid always gives the Cavs (and everyone) fits, and guard Tyrese Maxey is having an All-Star start himself. No one in Philly wishes the Sixers still had James Harden, and Maxey is the reason why.

10. So basically, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will have to be at least as good as ever, and the Cavs as a team will have to be better than at any point this season. That’s how you beat the 76ers in their own building. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. on TNT. Good luck, gentlemen.