Post by Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst) on Feb 6, 2023 17:19:32 GMT -5
#5 Philadelphia 76ers (19-10) vs. #8 Cleveland Cavaliers (12-17)
Another surprise coming out of the East after round 1 is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are essentially playing with house money now and the Sixers must feel very fortunate to have drawn them in round 2. Both of these teams have a bunch of games this round which might actually make this a close matchup, but the Sixers should be and are favored to move onto the ECF.
The Sixers don't have the benefit of 4 game Sabonis this week and actually only have 3 games each from Trae, Sabonis, and Giddey. Reggie Bullock should have an expanded role with DFS out of Dallas, but I don't expect him to get that big of a bump. With both Curry and Kornet out to start the week, the Sixers are going to need their big 3 to play bigger than ever to comfortably come out of this game on top.
As mentioned, the Cavs are playing with house money after not even expecting to make the playoffs, but don't sleep on this team this week. 4 games from Garland and 4 games from Vanderbilt (assuming he plays tonight) should give this team a shot at a second straight upset. He'll still need a few of his role players to play better than expected and I actually think Okoro is the x-factor here this week. With Kevin Love out of the rotation, Okoro was surprisingly productive last week and if he can continue the trend this week with 4 games that could put pressure on Philly.
76ers X-factor: Studs need to play like studs with 3 games each
Cavaliers X-factor: Issac Okoro
Caleb's pick: 76ers
Tyler's pick: 76ers
Sarge's pick: 76ers
Skip's pick: 76ers