You could say the All-Star break came at a perfect time for the Philadelphia 76ers. Losers of eight in a row, the team clearly was struggling to put together any type of defense that gave them any chance whatsoever to win ball games. As they allowed over 115 points per game during the skid, Brett Brown needed a much needed break as he was boiling at the Sixers’ defensive effort.
They will get back to work Tuesday night when they host the Cleveland Cavilers. On the opposite end of the Sixers, Cleveland is heating up. They have won their last four games, which would actually be their largest winning streak since LeBron James took off for Miami.
Leading Cleveland into the Wells Fargo Center will be the All-Star game Most Valuable Player, Kyrie Irving. The third-year player scored 31 points, 15 of which in the fourth quarter and dished 14 assists to lead the East past the West on Sunday night.
Irving has done damage to Philadelphia this season, averaging nearly 22 points, 10 assists and three rebounds against them this season. He will be guarded by Philadelphia’s lone All-Star, rookie Michael Carter-Williams. Despite Irving’s success against them, Cleveland has lost five straight in Philadelphia.
The story line that has dominated the 76ers since the calendar flipped to 2014 has been the trade front. (Check out Eric DeLash’s five moves the Sixers should make). Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes and Thaddeus Young have all been rumored to be players Philadelphia is shopping. Tony Wroten could be a name to keep an eye on as well. This is the final home game the 76ers have, and final game all together, before Thursday’s deadline. Chances are someone will be moved.
If it’s Turner, Cleveland is a nice team for him to play his final game against. Turner, who played his college ball at The Ohio State, has averaged 19 points and seven assists against the Cavilers this season.
Injuries: Brandon Davies remains out with a finger injury, as do Nerlens Noel and Jason Richardson with torn ACLs. Anderson Varejao (back) and Carrick Felix (knee) will not play for Cleveland.
Prediction: Each team picks up where they left off at the break. Cleveland dominates the perimeter and takes this one 112-97.
Starting Lineups:
Cleveland:
PG- Kyrie Irving
SG- Dion Waiters
SF- Luol Deng
PF- Tristan Thompson
C- Tyler Zeller
Philadelphia:
PG- Michael Carter-Williams
SG- Evan Turner
SF- James Anderson
PF- Thaddeus Young
C- Spencer Hawes
