Evan Mobley’s reign as the Defensive Player of the Year will last just one season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers defense looks increasingly faulty, and that should build faith in the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.
My Cavaliers vs 76ers predictions and NBA picks doubt Mobley’s defense, particularly in relation to Joel Embiid, on Wednesday, January 14.
Cavaliers vs 76ers prediction
Cavaliers vs 76ers best bet: Joel Embiid Over 25.5 points (-112)
While Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has cleared this prop in four of his last five games and seven of his last nine, the real emphasis here is on how the Cleveland Cavaliers defense is falling off.
The Cavs rank No. 18 in defensive rating in the last 10 games, as evidenced by someone like Julius Randle scoring 28 and 20 points in consecutive games on 18 of 36 shooting.
Randle and Embiid have similar games. They're high-post players able to drive from the perimeter. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are struggling with those types.
Embiid may not be back to his full-throttle, MVP-contending self, but he is taking 18.9 shots per game since returning to a full workload after an early-season injury.
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Cavaliers vs 76ers same-game parlay
It is always a joy to see a big man’s 3-pointer prop set at 1.5 when he has not made multiple 3-pointers in any of his last seven games. Combining that Under with the Over on Embiid’s points prop creates counterintuitive value, furthered by recognizing the Cavs are 1-5 against the spread in their last six.
Cavaliers vs 76ers SGP
- Joel Embiid Over 25.5 points
- Joel Embiid Under 1.5 3-pointers
- 76ers moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Embiid Eats Mobley's Lunch
Further faith in Embiid creates more doubt in Cleveland’s interior presence, despite boasting the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley.
Cavaliers vs 76ers SGP
- Joel Embiid Over 25.5 points
- Joel Embiid Under 1.5 3-pointers
- Joel Embiid Over 8.5 rebounds
- 76ers moneyline
Cavaliers vs 76ers odds
- Spread: Cavaliers +1 (-110) | 76ers -1 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -105 | 76ers -115
- Over/Under: Over 236.5 (-110) | Under 236.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs 76ers betting trend to know
The Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last six games. Ignore that ATS win. Two-game stints against one team are abnormal in the regular season, and that second game can get wonky. In those five ATS losses, Cleveland has fallen short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 9.7 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. 76ers.
How to watch Cavaliers vs 76ers
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Cavaliers vs 76ers latest injuries
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