76ers’ 8-1 Start Puts Cleveland’s 119-Point Offense on Trial

Philadelphia arrives 8-1 and No. 1 in the power index; Cleveland is 4-4 and ranked 16th. The Cavaliers average 119.3 points per game, but the 76ers allow just 105.2, while Cleveland gives up 117.1 per game. The guard matchup is electric: Tyrese Maxey has scored 252 points in nine games, while Donovan Mitchell has 180 in eight. Cleveland’s ability to protect the paint could hinge on Jarrett Allen, listed as questionable, against Joel Embiid, who has grabbed 70 rebounds in seven games.