It's very easy to get caught up in the headwind here. Philadelphia went into Madison Square Garden on opening night with LeBron James and company and knocked off the defending champions after they raised their banner. Given all the distractions that surrounded the Knicks because of the victory lap, how wasn't that rather straightforward? There were many apt folks who were all over the 76ers and cashed the ticket. It's easy to double down here as there was plenty of enthusiasm surrounding the Sixers heading into that contest and even more now. Philadelphia enjoyed some noteworthy offseason additions, including LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Anfernee Simons, the latter being touted as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Add those pieces to the Embiid-Maxey-Edgecombe cast and Philadelphia looks like a beast and has seemingly hit the ground running. However, that is precisely why I want to sell on Philly's opening-night in the City of Brotherly Love.
Cleveland is not exactly short of offensive firepower with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell leading an outfit that can be incredibly difficult to contain when all systems are firing. The affairs in New York were largely defensive-oriented, but the total for this contest sits at 236.5 at some outfits at the time of writing. That suggests an offense-rich environment which should suit Cleveland just fine. Philadelphia is getting all the attention, but the Cavaliers have the personnel to spoil the festivities and pull the upset, especially if this goes in the track meet direction.
Cavaliers vs 76ers prediction: Cleveland +125 (ML) available at time of writing. Playable to +120.
