The matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers is one of the more compelling inter-Eastern Conference clashes in the NBA. Whether you’re looking at team history, recent results, or specific player stats, this “76ers vs Cavaliers” rivalry offers plenty to unpack. In this article we’ll explore the history of their meetings, recent outcomes, key player performances, statistical trends, and what to watch going forward.
1. Historical Context of the Rivalry
The 76ers and Cavaliers have squared off many times through the decades, and their head-to-head record gives some interesting perspective.
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According to detailed head-to-head logs, they’ve played 230 regular-season games, with the 76ers owning 119 wins and the Cavaliers 111 wins.
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The NBA.com page for the 76ers notes that the first meeting was on November 2, 1970, and the rivalry has featured many eras (with stars like Julius Erving, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and today’s core players).
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In recent seasons the numbers have been tighter— for example, in the 2023-24 season these two teams split their series 2-2.
From this, one sees that while the rivalry may not carry the historical weight of some of the league’s oldest matchups, it has become meaningful and competitive.
2. Recent “76ers vs Cavaliers” Matchups & Key Results
Let’s review some of their recent encounters, focusing on standout games and what they reveal about each team’s strengths and weaknesses.
January 24/25, 2025 – A thriller
On January 24, 2025 the 76ers edged out the Cavaliers 132-129.
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The 76ers were short-handed yet pulled off a big win.
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According to a deeper recap, six of the 76ers’ players scored in double figures and the game featured 30 lead changes and 18 ties.
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For Cleveland: Ty Jerome had a career-high 33 points (8-of-8 from three) (!) but the Cavs still lost.
February 23, 2024
The 76ers beat the Cavaliers 104-97.
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Tyrese Maxey scored 24, including 15 in the 4th quarter, to help seal the win.
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The Cavs were missing some key pieces (for instance Donovan Mitchell was absent) which influenced the outcome.
November 13, 2024
Cleveland beat Philadelphia 114-106 at home.
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In that contest, the Cavs became the sixth team in NBA history to start a season 13-0 with the win.
Recent trends & upcoming
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Head-to-head statistics show that over their last few games, the 76ers had won 1 and lost 4 of the last 5 meetings.
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For the upcoming matchups (2025-26 season), the series schedule indicates four meetings: two in Cleveland, two in Philadelphia.
From these results one can observe that both teams are capable of beating the other in different circumstances: games are close, and the margin of error is small.
3. Player Stats & Key Contributors in 76ers vs Cavaliers
One of the best ways to understand how these matchups go is by looking at which players are delivering and how they affect outcomes. Below are key player stats and contributions relevant to the “76ers vs Cavaliers” conversation.
76ers — Key Players
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Tyrese Maxey: According to a preview for Nov 5, 2025, Maxey is averaging 34.4 points and 8.4 assists per game.
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VJ Edgecombe: A newer contributor, averaging about 19.1 points, 4.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds.
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Quentin Grimes: Around 17 points per game with 4.4 rebounds and 5 assists.
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The team’s shooting & style: Per preseason odds data, the 76ers are averaging about 125 points per game, shooting 41.49% from three, and averaging 42.8 total rebounds.
Cavaliers — Key Players
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Donovan Mitchell: Averaging about 26.7 points, with 3.4 three-pointers made per game.
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Evan Mobley: A strong rebounder and facilitator: roughly 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
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Team stats: The Cavaliers are averaging ~113.9 points per game, 43.1 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 9.2 steals, 4.7 blocks, while shooting ~43.5% from the field and 76.5% on free throws.
What this means in head-to-head
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When the 76ers bring strong back-court scoring (Maxey, Edgecombe) and maintain high assist rates, they have a strong chance.
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The Cavaliers rely heavily on Mitchell and Mobley to generate offense and control the glass; if their supporting cast steps up, they become dangerous.
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Games between them tend to be high-scoring and close, meaning individual player performance and timely contributions often determine the outcome.
4. Statistical Trends & What to Watch in 76ers vs Cavaliers
Beyond the head-to-head wins and individual stats, there are some deeper statistical and strategic trends that often show up when the 76ers face the Cavaliers.
Scoring & Shooting
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The 76ers’ offense projects about 125 points/game and a strong 3-point attempt rate (~37.6%) according to recent odds data.
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In head-to-head, the over/under has often leaned towards “Over” given the dynamic pace of both teams.
Rebounding & Defense
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Cavaliers’ defense in recent preview stats shows opponents scoring ~114.4 points/game.
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Rebounding can be pivotal: if the Cavs dominate the glass, they often control second-chance points and momentum.
Momentum & Game Flow
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Some of the most dramatic moments in their match-ups: the Jan 24/25 game featured 30 lead changes.
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The 76ers’ ability to finish quarters strong, especially the 4th quarter, is a recurring theme (see Maxey’s 15-point 4th quarter on Feb 23, 2024).
Injury and Rotation Impact
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Both teams suffer fluctuations when key players are out. For instance, the Feb 23, 2024 win by Philadelphia came while Cleveland was missing Donovan Mitchell.
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Matchups shift based on availability; depth becomes a determining factor.
5. Why This Rivalry Matters & What’s at Stake
Why is the 76ers vs Cavaliers matchup one worth tracking? Here are a few reasons:
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Eastern Conference playoff implications: Both teams are often vying for positioning in the East, so head-to-head games carry weight beyond just a regular-season win.
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Style contrast: The 76ers emphasise dynamic guard-play and spacing; the Cavaliers combine young forward talent with scoring punch.
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Storylines and player development: Watching how emerging players (Edgecombe, etc.) go up against established ones (Mitchell, Mobley) adds narrative value.
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Momentum swings: Given how close many of their games are, each contest can shift confidence, reputation, and team identity.
6. Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Next “76ers vs Cavaliers” Battles
With future games lined up between the two, here are key aspects to monitor:
Matchups to watch
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How will the 76ers’ back-court (Maxey & Edgecombe) perform against the Cavaliers’ perimeter defence?
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Can the Cavaliers get superior rebounding and limit second-chance points against Philly’s drive-and-kick system?
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Which bench units deliver? Depth has been a differentiator in recent games.
Statistical benchmarks
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If a team can shoot > 40% from three and limit turnovers to ~12 or less, they’ll likely win this matchup (based on recent preview data).
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Winning the 4th quarter and holding the opponent under 25 points in the 4th has been crucial in past meetings.
Injuries & rotations
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Monitor the status of bigs (for both teams): absence of a key front-court player can tilt the game.
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Coaching adjustments matter: how each team adapts mid-game in their series may decide the outcome.
Fan & betting interest
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Because of the close nature of the games, this matchup gets considerable attention from fans and bettors alike. For example, previews of the Nov 5, 2025 game included detailed odds and player prop lines.
7. Conclusion
The “76ers vs Cavaliers” rivalry is more than just two teams facing off—it’s a dynamic clash of styles, rising stars, and high-stakes Eastern Conference implications. With historical roots, current player stats, and recent blockbuster games, each matchup tells a story.
From the 76ers’ offensive firepower led by Tyrese Maxey and the Cavaliers’ versatile front-court anchored by Evan Mobley, this rivalry has all the elements of intrigue: scoring runs, momentum swings, individual heroics, and tight finishes. The recent games show us that neither team has a dominant stranglehold; rather, the outcome often hinges on execution, depth, and timeliness.
For fans and analysts, tracking player stats (points, assists, rebounds), team trends (3-point shooting, rebounding margin), and head-to-head history provides a rich lens through which to view upcoming games. Whether you’re watching for pure enjoyment or for deeper strategic insights, the 76ers vs Cavaliers match-up is definitely one to watch.
