Multiple Cavaliers Starters Questionable for Clash Against 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers (8-1) are looking to take control of the season series as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-4) Friday night at 7:30 PM ET. This will be their second meeting, and the 76ers had come back from a 24-point deficit last time. The 76ers come in on a four-game win streak and will have most of their team for this Eastern Conference matchup. 

Here is the injury report for the 76ers-Cavaliers:

76ERS

Dominick Barlow – Out: Low Back Stress Reaction

Adem Bona – Doubtful: Cervical Spine Sprain

Ariel Hukporti – Out: Right Achilles Tendon Rupture/Tear

CAVALIERS

Jarrett Allen – Questionable: Right Knee Contusion

Khalifa Diop – Out: G League – On Assignment

Tyrese Proctor – Questionable: Left Ankle Sprain

Nae'Qwan Tomlin – Out: Low Back Stress Reaction

Jaylon Tyson – Out: Right Ankle Sprain

Ernest Udeh Jr. – Out: G League – Two-Way

Peyton Watson – Questionable: Right Hamstring Injury Management

When both teams faced off the first time, both were at full strength. Now, both teams come in dealing with some very key injuries. The Cavaliers could be without two important players, Jarret Allen and Peyton Watson. As for the 76ers, they have their usual plus one new addition in Adem Bona. 

Bona had been struggling for most of the season but had his best game against the Pistons before suffering the neck injury. While he did play through it, the decision aggravated the injury and will cause him to miss this game against the Cavaliers. 

This continues the budding problem of center concerns and could lead to another new wrinkle as head coach Nick Nurse tries to fill in the role left behind by Bona. Now, the Cavaliers could be forced to play a bit differently now that some of their better defenders could miss this game. The paint will be the place to look at as both teams struggle in that area. Embiid could take full advantage with Allen questionable, leaving only Evan Mobley to contend with.

The 76ers faced an uphill battle the last time out, and they should have a different state of mind considering they are on a hot streak. Peyton Watson’s absence means an easier night for the 76er guards, and that could mean another strong performance from Jaylen Brown.

This game has added importance, as this will be the second game of the NBA Cup and could put the 76ers 2-0 not only in the tournament but also against the Cavaliers, who many view as a very strong opponent for the 76ers. If the 76ers succeed in earning a victory, it could push them closer to winning an NBA Cup.