Cavs vs. 76ers odds, lineups, injury report, prediction and TV info for Oct. 5

On Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers will begin their preseason slate with a game at the Philadelphia 76ers. Both of these squads look to be real players in the Eastern Conference, and they have their share of starpower.

For Cleveland, it was unfortunate news on Monday night when it was announced that Evan Mobley, who seems set for a big leap forward in Year 2, sprained his right ankle. He’s expected to be out for one-to-two weeks, and could seemingly be sidelined for each of Cleveland’s four preseason contests.

That’s not overly concerning, though.

As for other elements in this game for Cleveland, I’d expect the backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell to have some real stretches of work, and we could see them staggered in other lineups. That could be possibly with Caris LeVert with either at times, too.

From the Philadelphia perspective, given that the Sixers didn’t play James Harden, Joel Embiid and P.J. Tucker in their first preseason game at the Brooklyn Nets, and all dealt with injuries last season, I could envision those guys being out again here. Those three are reportedly healthy, but this is preseason, and the Sixers could again be cautious this go-round, as Harden is 33, Tucker is 37 and Embiid has had an especially extensive injury history.

Cavaliers-Sixers: Odds, spread and over/under:

According to FanDuel, the 76ers are favored by 4.5 points over the Cavaliers here, perhaps based on how they handled the Nets on Monday, and with some uncertainties involving Cleveland, even if Harden and Embiid are out. The moneyline is set for +164 for the Cavs, and -205 for the Sixers.

As for the over/under, there is not currently here, and with it being preseason, might be. Whether or not Harden and Embiid play, it’s difficult to exactly guage this one in that aspect.

Cavaliers-Sixers: Injury report

Cavs injuries: Evan Mobley (out, ankle); Ricky Rubio (out, knee).

Sixers injuries: James Harden, Joel Embiid, P.J. Tucker (day-to-day, rest); Danuel House Jr. (day-to-day, neck).

Cavaliers-Sixers: Projected starting lineups

Cavs starters: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro/Caris LeVert, Kevin Love/Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen

Sixers starters: Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris, Paul Reed

Cavaliers-Sixers: Prediction

This is not a prediction that’s going to be where I’ll have a ton of conviction.

It’s seemingly unclear, at least at this point, if Harden, Embiid and Tucker will be in action, and in preseason, teams will be featuring plenty of guys that are fringe players, and there might not be lineups we see in the regular season.

Given the Sixers could very well prioritize more rest for Harden, Embiid and Tucker, that could change some things obviously, but the Cavs have a new-look team anyhow with Mitchell.

Even if those three 76ers aren’t playing, though, this will be the first game Mitchell has with the Cavaliers and playing alongside Garland, albeit in preseason. Still, the Cavs could be relatively out of wack here, Mobley is out, and it’s not clear as to who is going to start definitively at the 3 and 4 spots, and/or what the sub patterns will be in this one for Cleveland.

The Cavaliers have to be getting all of their wings looks here minutes-wise, too, considering the starting 3 battle, and it could get very wonky. I’m leaning the Sixers, in theory, behind emerging star Tyrese Maxey, and whether or not Harden is in, I’d expect De’Anthony Melton to rebound from a night he defended well, but was way off on Monday as a shooter.

Sixers 111, Cavs 104

How to watch or stream Cavaliers-Sixers:

This game will be available to watch on Bally Sports Ohio and NBC Sports Philadelphia for fans in respective markets, and it’ll have a national broadcast option on NBA TV.

For those not in those areas or without said options, this will be available on NBA League Pass for fans subscribed.

As for other streaming, you can do so via FuboTV with a free trial.

Cavs upcoming preseason schedule:

After this Philadelphia matchup there, the Cavaliers play the 76ers once again on Monday, Oct. 10 then in Cleveland, and on Oct. 12, they’ll host the Atlanta Hawks. Cleveland will then wrap up preseason play on Oct. 14 at the Orlando Magic.

All preseason games for the Cavaliers are at 7 PM EST.