(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA--On a night where the Cavs were missing several big men from their frontcourt, they were leading 97-96 with three minutes left in the game. But it was Ben Simmons (26 pts) and Joel Embiid (19 pts) who made big plays as the Sixers finished the game on a 9-3 run and defeated the short-handed Cavs 106-99.
Don't look now but the Cavs are 6-6 in the last 12 games and have played competitive basketball.
For the Cavs, Collin Sexton (who is the only Cavalier who has played in every game this season) led the team with 26 points. Cedi Osman with a huge effort with 18 points.
But it was Ben Simmons' 26 points and Joel Embiid who recently sat out eight games with a sore left knee who put the game away for the Sixers as he made four consecutive free throws late.
Embiid had one of the dunks of the year after an offensive rebound.
Cavs will play the Magic in Orlando this Thursday night. Kevin Love should be back after not being allowed to play in back-to-backs. Marquese Chriss will return after he served the one game suspension from the Raptors game last Monday night for being involved in a fight with Serge Ibaka. Tristan Thompson, Larry Nance Jr and Matthew Dellavedova's returns are TBD.
The Sixers will host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.