High drama in Philly as the King meets the Sixers

The Cleveland Cavaliers should expect a high-energy game as they go on the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Philadelphia 76ers have won 7 of their last 10 games and two of these losses came at the hands of a full strength Golden State Warriors team. The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 8 of their last 10 games but only two of these wins have come against opponents with a record over .500.

Tonight represents a genuine test for the Cavs as we get to see if their win streak is authentic progress or merely a reflection of the cupcake section of their schedule.

There are so many exciting storylines emanating from this Sixers – Cavaliers matchup. How will the Cavaliers handle Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons?

Embiid averages 22.4 points, 11.2 boards, has a true shooting percentage of 57.9%, and is a threat from deep. Simmons, LeBron James’ protegé, averages 18.5 points, 9.1 boards, 7.7 assists and has an effective field goal percentage of 51.3.

These are phenomenal numbers that stack up well historically.

Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 boards and had a true shooting percentage of 56 in his second season. He averaged these numbers in 36.3 minutes of action, more minutes than Embiid (29.2 minutes per game).

In James’ rookie season averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 boards, 5.9 assists and had an effective field goal percentage of 43.8. Simmons isn’t a better scorer but he is a better passer and rebounder than James was at this stage of his career.

These are the cornerstones of the team that the Cavaliers face tonight. One outfitted with spectacular shooters in J.J. Redick (41.3 percent) and Robert Covington (46.2 percent).

Another exciting storyline from this game is the growing speculation that James could head to the Sixers as a free agent.

Must Read: LeBron to Philly isn't as far-fetched as it seems

The Sixers are looking for a statement win, forty-seven third quarter points prevented them from getting a statement win against the Warriors; the Sixers will be primed for this game so the Cavaliers had better be ready.

On the flip side, the Sixers are a young, upcoming but James is established royalty. Fifteen years into his storybook career, James is doing things that no other player has ever done at this stage in his career. James will be ready to prove that he is still the best in the game. James will no doubt be amped-up for this game and ready to put on another virtuoso performance.

It is going to be high drama as James meets the Sixers for the first time this season.

The Sixers can’t wait for tipoff, an exuberant King is ready to go and, at home, we’re counting down the hours, minute and seconds until 4:00 PM (EST).

Expect a show tonight.

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*All stats gathered from www.basketball-reference.com