# 76ers Face 3 Burning Questions Before Cavs Game

> Philadelphia's defense shines but three key questions loom ahead of Thursday's Cavs matchup.
- Title: 76ers Face 3 Burning Questions Before Cavs Game | Shortify
- Summary: Philadelphia's defense shines but three key questions loom ahead of Thursday's Cavs matchup. Philadelphia's 76ers face defensive strength, three-point…
- Keywords: 76ers, cavaliers, lebron james, jaylen brown, nick nurse, joel embiid, tyrese maxey, jalen brunson, anfernee simons, kentavious caldwell-pope, andre drummond, adem bona
- Source: Philadelphia 76ers On SI — https://si.com/nba/76ers/onsi/3-burning-76ers-questions-ahead-thursday-game-vs-cavaliers-01m5g9jz1gdj
- Published: 2026-10-22T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 76ers, cavaliers, lebron james, jaylen brown, nick nurse, joel embiid, tyrese maxey, jalen brunson, anfernee simons, kentavious caldwell-pope, andre drummond, adem bona
## 76ers Win Knicks Game
Philadelphia's 106-100 win against New York spoiled their 2025-26 championship celebration.
## 76ers Host Cavs Thursday
Philadelphia (1-0) will host the Cavaliers (0-0) on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown's official home debuts.
## Defensive Tenacity Question
Can Philadelphia sustain its defensive tenacity after holding the Knicks to 100 points?
## Joel Embiid's Impact
Joel Embiid recorded three blocks and two steals while improving mobility against the Knicks.
## Tyrese Maxey's Defense
Tyrese Maxey delivered three steals and three blocks against New York, reading passing lanes effectively.
## Three-Point Shooting Issue
Philadelphia shot 27.5% from beyond the arc against the Knicks, lacking spacing for effective three-pointers.
## Anfernee Simons' Performance
Anfernee Simons knocked down all three of his triples in the third quarter against New York.
## Backup Center Challenge
Can Philadelphia's backup center contribute against the Cavaliers' frontcourt?
## Andre Drummond's Role
Andre Drummond registered 12 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks against New York.
## Jalen Brunson's Struggles
Jalen Brunson scored 21 points on 6-19 shooting from the field with only two fourth-quarter points.
## Cavaliers' Offensive Threat
The Cavaliers finished top six in offensive rating under Kenny Atkinson's coaching.
## Key takeaway

Philadelphia's 76ers face defensive strength, three-point shooting, and backup center contributions as critical questions ahead of Thursday's game against the Cavaliers.