The Philadelphia 76ers head into their clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers with a boost: both Joel Embiid and Paul George are listed as probable and expected to play. That headline, paired with Cleveland’s continued absence of Dean Wade and Max Strus, sets the tone for a game that could swing on star power, health, and the glass — and it’s on ESPN for a national audience.

For Philadelphia, this is about keeping momentum and managing minutes. For Cleveland, it’s about holding firm without two rotation wings and finding enough size, shooting, and rebounding to keep pace with Embiid and a high-flying Tyrese Maxey.

Embiid injury update: probable for Sixers vs Cavaliers

Embiid is listed as probable due to a left knee management designation and soreness in his left adductor, but he is anticipated to play. That’s big. The former MVP has quietly pieced together one of his best stretches of availability in more than two years, appearing in seven of the Sixers’ last eight games. His lone miss during this run came on the front end of a back-to-back against the Raptors.

On the floor, Embiid remains the anchor. Over his last 14 games he’s shooting 47.2 percent from the field and averaging 7.8 rebounds, a steady base for the Sixers’ half-court offense and their backline defense. In Philadelphia’s most recent victory, he posted 27 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, showing the all-around impact that bends matchups and draws double teams.

The Sixers don’t need Embiid to be a superhero every night, but his presence changes everything. He draws fouls, protects the rim, and forces Cleveland to decide whether to bring help or live with single coverage in the post.

“If Embiid’s moving well, the Cavs have to send help — and that’s where Philly buries you.”

Paul George knee check: all signs point to go

Paul George also lands on the probable line with left knee management. He was a late scratch with soreness before Sunday’s game but suited up the very next night, a sign that the issue is being watched but is not considered serious.

George’s value is two-way. His shooting stretches the floor for Embiid post-ups and Maxey drives, and his length gives the Sixers another on-ball defender against Cleveland’s guards. If he’s on the court, the Sixers can toggle between big and small lineups without losing spacing.

There’s more good news for Philadelphia’s wing depth: V.J. Edgecombe, who briefly left Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter before returning, is listed as probable. Kelly Oubre Jr. is available and expected to play while wearing a knee brace, adding another switchable defender and cutter to the rotation.

“George + Oubre around Maxey and Embiid is the two-way balance Philly needs on national TV.”

Cavaliers injuries: Wade out again, Strus still sidelined

The Cavaliers will again be without forward Dean Wade, who is set to miss a fourth straight game with a bruised left knee. Max Strus, out since the start of the season with a foot injury, remains sidelined. That’s a double hit to Cleveland’s size on the wing and their three-point spacing.

In the short term, expect more minutes for Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and De’Andre Hunter. Merrill’s shooting can keep defenses honest. Tyson adds energy and length. Hunter brings size on the wing and can take some tough assignments. But those are still patchwork answers compared to a full-strength rotation against a team with Embiid.

Cleveland enters at 22–19, a record that reflects grit through injuries but also shows the margin for error is thin, especially when the opponent is stacked with All-Stars and shot creation.

Rebounding and second chances: the swing factor

This matchup may hinge on the glass. The Cavaliers rank 22nd in rebound percentage, and that’s a concern against Embiid and a Sixers team that can punish second-chance looks. Even if Embiid is held to one-on-one scoring, extra possessions tilt the math. Box-outs, long rebounds off threes, and guard rebounding will matter.

For Philadelphia, the path is simple: control the paint and trust the rotations. For Cleveland, gang rebounding is non-negotiable. If the Cavs can’t even out the boards, they’ll have to shoot an elite percentage from three to stay level — a tough ask without Strus.

“If the Cavs don’t win the defensive glass, it’s a long night. Simple as that.”

Maxey vs. Garland, Mitchell: backcourt star power

This game also sets up a fascinating guard battle. Tyrese Maxey is coming off a 33-point night with four rebounds, cutting up coverages with speed and touch. His downhill game forces rotations and opens kick-outs for shooters.

On the other side, Darius Garland posted 23 points and eight assists in a recent loss to the Jazz, and Donovan Mitchell added 21 points and three rebounds in his last outing. Those two can get hot fast. If they do, Cleveland can hang around even if the rebounding battle tilts the other way.

Expect the Sixers to test Garland and Mitchell with length at the point of attack and to funnel drives toward help. If George and Oubre are active, Philadelphia can switch more actions, cut off the paint, and live with contested threes.

Sixers vs Cavaliers on ESPN: what to watch

National TV brings a different energy, and both coaching staffs will want clean, simple plans. For the Sixers: get Embiid touches early, use George as a spacer and secondary scorer, and let Maxey pick spots in transition. For the Cavaliers: manage the glass, get Garland and Mitchell moving off the ball to avoid traps, and lean on Merrill, Tyson, and Hunter to keep the spacing intact.

• 76ers probable: Joel Embiid, Paul George, V.J. Edgecombe
• Also available: Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee brace)
• Cavaliers out: Dean Wade (left knee), Max Strus (foot)

With Embiid healthy enough to go and George in line to play, Philadelphia brings the edge in star availability. But Cleveland, even shorthanded, tends to punch above its weight when the ball is humming and the defense is active. If the Cavs can keep the turnover count down and win the three-point math, they can make this a fourth-quarter game.

Bottom line

The final injury report tilts toward the 76ers. Embiid and George are tracking to play, Oubre is available, and Edgecombe is probable. Cleveland will again miss Wade and Strus. The cleanest read: if Philadelphia controls the boards and limits second chances, their top-end talent should carry the night.

But there’s a reason we watch: one stretch from Garland or Mitchell can change the script. On ESPN, with the lights up and the stars ready, expect a smart, physical game decided by the paint — and by how close Cleveland can keep that rebounding gap.