Andrew Bynum returns to the city he never played a game for tonight as the Cavs face the Sixers tonight at 7 p.m.
The Cavs come into tonight's game with a 2-3 record. Kyrie Irving continues to come into his own as a young point guard in this league, leading his team with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. He has been doing the heavy lifting for his team this season, as his supporting cast has been inconsistent around him. The first pick in the draft this year, Anthony Bennett, has totaled just 1 basket all season so far, so his production has been disappointing to say the least.
Andrew Bynum is sure to receive a not so warm welcome tonight from Sixers fans. I imagine that every time he touches the crowd will erupt in boo's and explicit language. Hopefully he doesn't try to hit up Dave and Busters after the game.
The Sixers are coming off a loss at home to the Wizards. This team's weaknesses are starting to show more and more as teams are finding ways to exploit their youth and inexperience. However, I still think that we will see some legitimate competition from this Sixers team throughout the year. These guys will be playing with a chip on their shoulder for whole season, and their sheer desire for a win might actually be enough to get it done.
Key Match up:
Kyrie Irving vs MCW:
Irving is the best player on this team, so when he is on the court, the ball will be in his hands for the majority of their offensive possessions. The hardest part about guarding Kyrie is his ability to get by defenders with his ball handling skills, while also being able to finish tough shots in the paint. He can also shoot the ball from all over the court, so you can't let him have time to set and shoot. Carter-Williams' length and size should prove to be an advantage in some aspects of the game. Offensively, he needs to limit his turnovers. The only way the Sixers have a chance in any game this season will be if they can limit their turnovers as a team. This will be a good match up to watch tonight.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Cleveland
PG- Kyrie Irving
SG- Dion Waiters
SF- Earl Clark
PF- Tristan Thompson
C- Anderson Varejao
Philadelphia
PG- Michael Carter-Williams
SG- James Anderson
SF- Evan Turner
PF- Thaddeus Young
C- Spencer Hawes
Prediction:
I think the Sixers come out and play hard tonight. I think Evan Turner has a big night and will break the 30-point barrier for the first time in his career. I think the Sixers big men clean it up nicely tonight. Thaddeus finishes with 21 and 12, Hawes finishes with 15 and 15 with 4 blocks. Andrew Bynum will be held scoreless tonight in 12 minutes of play. Kyrie Irving has a nice night (25 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds), but he doesn't get enough support to get a win. Sixers move to 4-2. Final score, Sixers win 99-90.
