CtB Trifecta: Live Thread – 76ers @ Cavs (or, Strus is Loose!)

Good afternoon/evening CtB!

The Cavs put on a basketball masterclass last night against NBA Cup champion and Central Division rival Milwaukee Bucks 124-101 in a game that wasn’t even that close as the mop up crew logged nearly 12 minutes of action in the 4th quarter. The Cavs dominance started on defense with Dean Wade inserted back into the starting lineup, who was the ideal two way wing the Cavs needed especially for this game putting up elite 3 and D work against the likes of MVP candidate Giannis Antetokuoumpo and solid NBA wing and champion Khris Middleton. From there, it was the return of Max Strus, who contributed a tidy +20 plus/minus in only 19 restricted minutes of work. It feels like the return of Strus has really given an energy boost to the squad at the perfect time, which is the beginning of the dog days of the season until the All-Star break in February. With this win, the Cavs have secured the season series win against the Bucks.

Tonight’s preview

The Cavs welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to the frozen and windy banks of the Cuyahoga River for a Saturday night Eastern Conference showdown. This will be the second game of a three in four for the good guys, all at home. So the Cavs should be seeing this as a tough but intriguing opportunity to rack up three quick wins before a post-Christmas Western Conference tour that will take them into 2025.

As for the Sixers, after their big move to secure the services of Paul George it’s been nothing but disaster after disaster for Philadelphia so far this year. They are a prime candidate stealth tank team, but so far they don’t look inclined to lean into that going 6-4 the last 10 games… which is best among the East lottery teams currently. The Cavs look poised to more than oblige them in securing a chance at a top 6 lottery pick. However, the Cavs will have to do it without Max Strus, who’s getting load managed since his first action of the season last night:

Tip off is scheduled for 8:00PM Eastern time and will be broadcasted live on Fanduel Sport Networks, Go Cavs!