The Cavaliers and 76ers will face off in Philadelphia for the second time in three days on Friday night.
Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell has tormented the Sixers in two matchups this season, and there’s reason to believe he will have more opportunities to do so once again.
On Wednesday night, Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland left the game with a right foot injury and did not return.
Garland, who has dealt with turf toe in his other foot since last season, is doubtful to suit up on Friday, which should lead to the ball being in Mitchell’s hands even more than usual.
Sharing the backcourt with Mitchell, Garland has averaged 17.9 points and 6.9 assists in 25 games this season.
I’m betting Mitchell to pick up some of the slack there on Friday, repeating what he’s done to Philly all year.
On Wednesday night, Mitchell went off against the 76ers, scoring 35 points with nine assists.
In Mitchell’s first game against them this season in Cleveland, he was even better, dropping 46 points with eight assists.
It was a similar story last season when Mitchell averaged 26.3 points and seven assists versus the Sixers.
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The 76ers’ small guard rotation – led by Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe – appears to be a good match-up for Mitchell, whose combination of strength and speed has proven to be a problem for the pair.
Let’s see if he can do it again on Friday.
The play: Donovan Mitchell Over 29.5 points (-124, BetRivers) and Over 6.5 assists (+115, BetMGM)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.