PREVIEW: The Philadelphia 76ers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET , marking the second meeting between these Eastern Conference rivals this season. Cleveland dominated their first matchup with a 132-121 victory in November, powered by 46 points from Donovan Mitchell , though Philadelphia was without three starters including Joel Embiid and Paul George. The 76ers bring elite free-throw shooting ranked fourth in the league and rank sixth in attacking the rim, yet their defense ranks 29th against rim attacks. Tyrese Maxey and Mitchell lead a battle between top-five NBA scorers, with Maxey averaging 30.9 points and Mitchell at 29.5. Cleveland counters with elite rim defense ranked fourth and efficient rim attacks also at fourth, complemented by strong passing ranked seventh and seven-point creation. The Cavaliers' defensive prowess directly contradicts Philadelphia's offensive approach, as their fourth-ranked rim defense opposes the 76ers' aggressive attacking style. Wednesday opens a critical six-game homestand for Philadelphia running through January 24 , while the 76ers rank fourth in offensive rating and fourth in defensive rating since 2026 began . This rematch features contrasting philosophies: Cleveland's methodical, efficient ball movement against Philadelphia's dynamic rim pressure and turnover creation.