Home / NBA / Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers Predictions & Picks – Back LeBron’s Sixers For 2-0 Start In NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers Predictions & Picks – Back LeBron’s Sixers For 2-0 Start In NBA
- 76ers favored to cover spread after a strong season-opening win in New York
- Cavaliers enter new season with concerns over bench depth
- 76ers' new roster, including LeBron and Brown, showed promising chemistry
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers Predictions & Picks
Philadelphia are tipped to cover a small spread as they win their home opener.
The new-look 76ers knocked off some rust in an impressive opening night win in New York, while Cleveland are making their first appearance of the 2026/27 season.
And while the Cavs’ starting five is as good as any, a lack of depth is a major concern.
- Philadelphia 76ers won their season opener in New York
- The Under cashed in Philadelphia’s season-opening game
- The Under has hit in the previous 2 meetings
Head To Head
- Philadelphia 76ers lead the all-time series 122-117
- Cleveland Cavaliers won 115-101 when the two teams last met on March 8
Cleveland Cavaliers Form
Cleveland did not reunite with LeBron James in the offseason, instead maintaining the status quo with only a couple of notable changes.
The Cavaliers’ biggest addition to the roster was Peyton Watson from the Denver as part of a sign-and-trade deal.
The bench has been weakened though, with Dennis Schroder, Max Strus and Dean Wade all gone.
Cleveland warmed up for the 2026/27 campaign by playing minimal pre-season games, going 1-2.
The Cavaliers sandwiched a 119-104 victory over Orlando with defeats to Boston, 124-113, and the Magic, 132-116.
Philadelphia 76ers Form
Philadelphia go into their home opener with a 1-0 record thanks to a road win at defending champions New York.
The 76ers rolled out their new-look line-up in the ‘Big Apple’, and they were able to spoil banner night for the Knicks as they ran out 106-100 winners.
LeBron James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his debut appearance for the Sixers, while fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
It was a familiar face that led the 76ers in scoring on the night, as Tyrese Maxey led the team in scoring with 28 points.
Joel Embiid also made his presence felt as he recorded an opening-night double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Verdict
Philadelphia were not flawless in New York, but this new-look line-up did show growing chemistry as they knocked off the defending champions.
The 76ers can back that up here against a Cleveland team that could drop off significantly when their starters head to the bench.
The 76ers can back that up here against a Cleveland team that could drop off significantly when their starters head to the bench.
Leigh Copson
Sports Editor • 25+ Years Experience, US & Combat Sports Specialist
US sports writer covering the NFL, NBA, NHL, boxing and MMA, with previews, predictions and betting tips across the major American leagues.
During his career at the Press Association and online sports sites including FreeTips and ExpertPicks.com, he has covered some of the biggest sporting events on the planet, including the Super Bowl, the Champions League Final and the World Cup Final.
He has also covered almost every major boxing match and UFC fight card during this time.. His specialist sports are American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Football.