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Sixers-Cavaliers: Attempting to win without Joel Embiid

The Sixers lost to Cleveland, 113-91, in their last meeting on Nov. 27.

LeBron James had 30 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists when the Cavaliers last played the Sixers on Nov. 27.
LeBron James had 30 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists when the Cavaliers last played the Sixers on Nov. 27.Read moreMatt Slocum / AP Photo

76ers  (13-11) at Cleveland Cavs (18-8)

Saturday at 8 p.m., at the Quicken Loans Arena

Talking points

This is a tough task for the suddenly struggling Sixers, who are without Joel Embiid.  The Sixers head into Saturday's matchup following losses to two of the league's worst teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. Now, they must face the same Cleveland squad that destroyed them, 113-91, at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 27. On that night, LeBron James finished with 30 points and game highs 14 rebounds and six assists. The Cavs also had a franchise-tying 13-game winning streak before losing to the Indiana Pacers, 106-102, Friday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. So they are going to be motivated to get back to winning against the Embiid-less Sixers. The center will miss the game due to not being cleared to play on back-to-back nights. He'll play Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming:  NBC Sports Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah

Starting lineups

Sixers (13-11)

33 Robert Covington SF 6-9  15.1 ppg. 6.2 rpg

9 Dario Saric PF 6-10  11.4 ppg. 6.5 rpg.

5 Amir Johnson C 6-10 4.1 ppg. 5.5 rpg.

17 JJ Redick SG 6-4  16.0 ppg. 3.5 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.7 ppg. 9.5 rpg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 88-264)

Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder scapular muscle imbalance, out); Justin Anderson (left shin splints, out); Dario Saric (left eye laceration/corneal abrasion right eye, questionable);  Joel Embiid (rest, out).

Cavaliers  (18-8)

23 LeBron James SF 6-8 28.2 ppg 8.5 apg.

99 Jae Crowder PF 6-6 8.3  ppg. 3.1 rpg.

0 Kevin Love C 6-10 19.2  ppg. 10.4 rpg.

5 J.R. Smith SG 6-6 8.5 ppg. 3.0 rpg.

81  Jose Calderon G 6-3 2.8 ppg. 1.5 apg.

Coach: Tyronn Lue (third season, 96-53)

Injury report:  Derrick Rose (left ankle sprain, out), Isaiah Thomas (right hip, out), Tristan Thompson (left calf strain, out), Iman Shumpert (left knee surgery, out)

Head to head

Sixers hold a 102-101 series advantage, but have lost the last 10 meetings.

Coming games

Sunday: 7 p.m., at Smoothie King Center, Sixers at New Orleans Pelicans

Tuesday: 9:30 p.m., at Target Center, Sixers at Minnesota Timberwolves

Friday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Oklahoma City Thunder at Sixers

Dec. 18: 8 p.m., at United Center, Sixers at Chicago Bulls

Dec. 19: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Sacramento Kings at Sixers