Cavaliers vs 76ers Prediction Today | NBA Odds, Picks (Friday, Feb. 23)

Here's everything you need to know about Cavaliers vs. 76ers on Friday, Feb. 23 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

The Cleveland Cavaliers head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Friday night. Both teams suffered losses last night, with the Cavaliers falling to the Orlando Magic and the 76ers losing to the Knicks. Which team can right the ship and secure their first victory out of the break?

Let's get to our Cavaliers vs. 76ers prediction and pick.

The Cavaliers were without Donovan Mitchell (illness) on Thursday night, so his status for Friday night needs to be monitored. In the event he misses another game, Darius Garland will once again pick up the slack.

The Cavaliers have been one of the league's most consistent teams despite their injuries. They are in second place in the Eastern Conference and have the fifth-best Adjusted Net Rating (+4.7), per Dunks and Threes. Cleveland has managed a league-average offense, but the defense is second best to only the Timberwolves. This team is winning games by smothering its opponents while reducing the pace and dominating on defense.

Mitchell has been transcendent on the offensive side of the ball this season. He is averaging 28.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. When Mitchell is off the floor, the Cavaliers struggle, posting a -3.9 Net Rating and scoring just 113.6 points per 100 possessions. By comparison, when Mitchell is on the floor, his team jumps to a +11.1 Net Rating while scoring 118.5 points per 100 possessions, per Cleaning the Glass.

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The 76ers continue to be without Joel Embiid (knee), while De'Anthony Melton (back) missed the team's game most recent game against the Knicks. However, coach Nick Nurse indicated that Melton will make his return against the Cavaliers, and his presence will improve their perimeter defense.

The 76ers are just 6-15 without Embiid this season. Even though there have been some flashes with Tyrese Maxey leading the way, including a win over these same Cavaliers on Feb. 12, they have struggled overall. When Embiid is off the floor, the 76ers have a +0.5 Net Rating, which is a sharp drop-off from their +8.7 Net Rating with Embiid on the floor.

Philadelphia made a significant move in acquiring Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers. This has acted as a bit of a safety valve for Maxey considering Hield is an excellent shooting threat but also a strong secondary facilitator. So far, Hield has averaged 7.2 assists in his five games with the 76ers.

This matchup features two teams who are trending in opposite directions. While the 76ers are trying to stay afloat without Embiid, the Cavaliers are finally getting back to full strength.

When these teams played a week ago, it was a tightly contested game in Cleveland, but Philadelphia shot a bit better than expected. The 76ers shot 42.3% from deep despite taking just 28% of their shots from distance, allowing them to make up for taking about two-thirds as many 3s as Cleveland.

Even though the 76ers are getting a few reinforcements, the Cavaliers are the play here. Philadelphia is just 1-4 ATS as a home 'dog this season, and Cleveland has been strong at 7-5-1 ATS as a road favorite.

While Mitchell's status could swing this line, I'm comfortable backing the Cavaliers whether he plays or not.

Pick: Cavaliers -4.5 (-110 at PointsBet)

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