The Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers run it back tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET, two days after the Cavs rolled to a 133–107 win. The headline this time is the health board. Cleveland will be without starting guard Darius Garland, while Philadelphia expects Joel Embiid and Paul George to be available. It’s a rematch shaped by pain management, depth, and how each coach adjusts on short rest.

Cavaliers vs. 76ers injury report and what it means

The NBA’s official 1:00 p.m. ET injury report locks in a different set of problems for both teams. Cleveland has ruled out Darius Garland with right great toe soreness. He left Wednesday’s game in the third quarter and did not return. Sam Merrill is out with a right hand injury after exiting in the first half Wednesday. Dean Wade is also out due to a left knee contusion.

For Philadelphia, the big names are trending toward suiting up. Joel Embiid and Paul George are listed as probable because of left knee management. Promising big man Dominick Barlow is questionable with a back contusion. His X-rays were negative, and he underwent an MRI on Thursday.

“If Embiid goes, do the Sixers flip the script or fade late again?”

Darius Garland’s setback: toe soreness after a strong start

Garland’s absence is a blow considering how sharp he looked before the setback. He put up 20 points and 7 assists in just 23 minutes on Wednesday, carving up the 76ers with pace and space. On the season, Garland is averaging 17.9 points and 6.9 assists across 25 games. His burst and shot creation open lanes for everyone else.

The injury arose in the mid-third quarter when a turnover sent him limping to the bench and then the locker room. This is a right foot issue; Garland had left foot turf toe surgery that delayed his start to the 2025–26 season, so this is a different foot. Still, it’s enough to keep him out tonight. Head coach Kenny Atkinson had labeled Garland doubtful after the game, and the official report confirmed he will sit.

Donovan Mitchell, who shouldered the load after Garland’s exit, framed the moment well. “He was hooping. He was getting downhill. Creating, setting the tone. Obviously, there’s concern, always, right? That’s my brother. But in the same token, it’s like, all right, let’s keep moving.” He added that Garland’s spirits were up: “So that’s always a good sign.”

Sam Merrill and Dean Wade out; rotation pressure rises

Merrill’s right hand remains an issue after a first-half exit Wednesday. He battled a hand problem last month too, so Cleveland is right to be cautious. Wade’s left knee contusion also tightens the frontcourt. The Cavs will need to spread minutes carefully, and stagger Donovan Mitchell to steady both guard units.

Without Garland this season, Lonzo Ball’s steady hand becomes more important. He is averaging 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists when Garland sits. That line won’t grab headlines, but the passing and defense help stabilize pace and keep the ball moving. Expect more pick-and-rolls just to keep the offense simple and clean.

“This is Lonzo’s chance to run the show—keep the pace and defend.”

Joel Embiid, Paul George listed probable for the 76ers

Philadelphia took one on the chin Wednesday, but the probable tags for Embiid and George change the feel of the rematch. Embiid still posted 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in limited work on Wednesday. George added 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. With two stars available, the Sixers have the firepower to erase the memory of the blowout.

The key will be legs and rhythm. The Sixers are managing minutes with the long view in mind. If Embiid plays, his interior gravity will test Cleveland’s help defense and put pressure on the glass. If George is good to go, his two-way wing play can slow Cleveland’s perimeter creation and add shotmaking in crunch time.

What Wednesday’s 133–107 result tells us

Wednesday’s game was a statement by Cleveland. The Cavs pushed the pace, shared the ball, and shot with confidence. They led by a wide margin for most of the second half. That win moved Cleveland to 23–19 and pushed Philadelphia to 22–17. It also showed the Cavs can punch first, even against elite talent, when they’re connected.

But a quick turnaround can flip the script. With Embiid and George probable, Philadelphia’s top-end talent is fully in play. Cleveland’s task is to keep the turnover count low and maintain spacing. Without Garland, ball security becomes even more important. One poor stretch can swing a game against a star-led lineup.

“Mitchell can drop 40, but the bench has to win the minutes.”

Game plan on short rest: simple, sharp, and physical

Cleveland’s priorities are clear. Keep Mitchell downhill. Use Lonzo Ball to organize. Get quick-hitting looks early in the clock. With Dean Wade out, the Cavs will need tough rebounding from everyone. Second-chance points could be the hidden edge, especially if Embiid plays heavy minutes.

For the 76ers, it’s about controlling the paint and forcing Cleveland into tough twos. If Embiid anchors the middle and George chases on the wing, the Sixers can grind the Cavs into late-clock shots. Barlow’s questionable tag matters for depth; if he’s limited or out, Philadelphia’s big rotation tightens, making foul trouble a real concern.

Spotlight on stars and next men up

Mitchell will be the lead engine again. If he draws doubles, Cleveland’s shooters must punish rotations. Without Merrill, the spacing burden shifts to the rest of the perimeter group. Look for quick swing-swing sequences to create open threes and back cuts.

On the other side, Embiid’s post touches and face-up attacks create free throws and open threes. George’s pull-up shooting and off-ball cuts can tilt the floor. Philadelphia will want a strong start after Wednesday’s loss. That early punch could set the tone for a more balanced, physical game.

Bottom line

This rematch is a test of depth, discipline, and late-week stamina. Cleveland is down key rotation pieces, but confidence from a 26-point win lingers. Philadelphia brings back its star power with Embiid and George listed as probable. If the Cavs win the turnover battle and hold strong on the glass, they can weather Garland’s absence. If the Sixers control the paint and free-throw line, revenge is on the table.

Tip is at 7:00 p.m. ET. Adjustments will decide it. Health will frame it. And the first punch might be the one that counts.