Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers Picks and Prediction for Thursday October 22 2026
In the first game of a Thursday night NBA on ESPN doubleheader, the Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is scheduled for October 22, 2026 at 7:00 pm EST and the setting will be Xfinity Mobile Arena. The 76ers are a small 2.5 point home favorite and the total as of writing is 234.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Cleveland ready for another postseason run
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached the playoffs in each of the previous four seasons and advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers (52-30) needed seven games to advance in the first two series and seemed to run out of gas in being swept by the New York Knicks. Cleveland re-signed their backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell (4 yrs, $273 million) and James Harden (3 yrs, $97 million).
In their preseason finale, Cleveland trailed by 20 points at halftime during a 132-116 road loss against Orlando. All-Star G Donovan Mitchell led six Cavaliers in double figures with 15 points (7-15 FG) and eight assists. All-Star F Evan Mobley added 14 points and five boards.
Last season, Cleveland ranked fifth in the league in offensive efficiency and averaged 119.5 points per game. The Cavaliers acquired Payton Watson in a five-team trade and he will provide the ability to switch more defensively. Cleveland was a middle of the pack defensive team and allowed 115.4 points per contest.
Philadelphia off a strong opening night performance
The Philadelphia 76ers have qualified for the postseason in eight of the last ten years, but have not advanced past the second round since 2001. Last year, the 76ers were swept by New York in the second round and are confident they have a roster that can advance even further. Philadelphia started the offseason by shipping Paul George to Boston for All-Star G Jaylen Brown and followed that by signing LeBron James in free agency.
On Opening Night, Philadelphia outscored New York by 11 points in the third quarter and held on down the stretch to earn a 106-100 road victory. All-Star G Tyrese Maxey tallied a game-high 28 points (9-19 FG), five assists, and four rebounds. LeBron James contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in his team debut.
The 76ers ranked 16th in defensive efficiency a season ago, but have the potential to be much better on that side of the ball. Philadelphia forced 15 turnovers and held New York to 37 percent shooting. The 76ers were outrebounded by a 53-45 margin and converted 21 of 27 free-throw attempts.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers Picks and Prediction
Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5
Cleveland G Sam Merrill (elbow) went through a full practice on Tuesday and is listed as questionable for this contest. The Cavaliers return their strong core four players in the starting lineup and Watson’s defense will be key. The 76ers are still trying to mesh on offense and could be flat after upsetting the Knicks. Take the Cavaliers to win on the road.
Pick: Over 234.5
The Cavaliers finished tenth in the league in tempo and will look to push the ball against the 76ers. Philadelphia could struggle in defensive transition with Embiid and James on the floor. The 76ers missed 29 of 40 three-point attempts on Tuesday and will likely see a bump on their home floor. Take the over.
Final Score Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers win 124-117