So, you're looking for the score. Honestly, keeping up with the Wine and Gold this season has been a total rollercoaster. If you’re checking in on the latest action from this week, the Cleveland Cavaliers just wrapped up a massive statement win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The final was 133-107.
Yeah, they absolutely blew the doors off the Wells Fargo Center. Donovan Mitchell was basically playing a different sport, dropping 35 points and making the Philly defense look like they were stuck in quicksand. But it wasn't all celebrations. If you watched the game, you saw Darius Garland go down with a foot injury after putting up 20. It's that classic Cleveland luck—one step forward, one limp back.
What is the score to the Cavs game right now?
If you are looking for a live score for Friday, January 16, 2026, the Cavs are actually back in Philadelphia for a rare "baseball-style" consecutive road matchup. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EST.
Since the game hasn't tipped yet, the score is 0-0, but the vibes are... complicated.
Coming off that 26-point blowout on Wednesday, you'd think the Cavs have the momentum. However, the Vegas lines moved slightly toward Philly this morning. Why? Because the status of Garland's foot is the only thing anyone in Northeast Ohio is talking about. Without him, Mitchell has to carry a load that even his shoulders might struggle with.
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The 76ers aren't exactly a dumpster fire either. They’re sitting at 22-17, right on Cleveland's heels in the Eastern Conference standings. Tyrese Maxey is averaging over 30 points a game lately. If the Cavs don't tighten up the perimeter defense, that 133-107 score from a few days ago is going to feel like a distant memory.
Why this game actually matters for the standings
We are officially in the "dog days" of the NBA season. You know, that stretch in January where players start getting "heavy legs" and fans start looking at the playoff bracket every single morning.
Right now, the East is a total mess.
- Detroit Pistons are somehow leading the pack (yes, you read that right).
- Boston and New York are locked in a fight for the second spot.
- Cleveland (23-19) is currently sitting in the 7th spot.
That 7th spot is dangerous. Nobody wants to be in the Play-In Tournament. A win tonight against Philadelphia would essentially be a "two-game swing." It pulls Cleveland closer to that coveted 6th seed and keeps Philly at arm's length.
Breaking down the Mitchell vs. Maxey factor
When you ask what is the score to the Cavs game, what you’re really asking is: "Is Donovan Mitchell still on fire?"
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The short answer is yes. Mitchell is shooting nearly 50% from the field this season. He’s been particularly lethal in the third quarter, which is usually when Cleveland either pulls away or lets teams back in. In the last game, he hit four triples in the second half alone.
On the flip side, Philadelphia is relying on Tyrese Maxey to be their entire engine while they navigate their own roster shifts. Maxey is fast. Like, "blink and he’s at the rim" fast. Cavs fans remember how he torched the transition defense back in December. If Cleveland can't slow the game down and force Philly into half-court sets, the score tonight might look a lot higher—and not in Cleveland's favor.
The injury report is the real story
You can't talk about the score without talking about who is actually on the floor.
- Darius Garland: The foot injury from Wednesday is the big question mark. He's officially "questionable," which in NBA-speak usually means we won't know until he does warmups.
- Evan Mobley: He's been the defensive anchor, but he’s had his hands full with the physical play in the paint lately.
- Philly's Bench: They’ve been inconsistent. If Cleveland’s second unit—led by Caris LeVert—can outscore the Sixers' bench by 10+, this game is over by the fourth.
How to watch and keep track
If you aren't glued to a box score, you've got a few options. The game is being broadcast nationally on ESPN, which means we get the high-production treatment. Locally, you can find it on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (the channel formerly known as Bally).
If you're stuck in the car or at work, WTAM 1100 is still the go-to for the radio call. There’s something about hearing the squeak of the sneakers over the radio that just feels right for Cleveland basketball.
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The road ahead for Cleveland
After tonight's rematch in Philly, the Cavs head back home to Rocket Arena for a massive MLK Day matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s going to be a brutal test. OKC is arguably the best team in the West right now.
Then they hit the road again for Charlotte before coming home for the Kings. It’s a dense schedule. Basically, if they can go 3-1 over this next week, they’ll be in a prime position to jump into the Top 5 of the East before the All-Star break.
Actionable steps for Cavs fans
If you're following the score tonight, keep an eye on the first quarter points. Cleveland has a habit of starting slow on the second night of road trips. If they're down by double digits early, it’s a long climb back.
Check the official Cavs Twitter (or X, whatever) about 30 minutes before tip-off for the final word on Garland. If he’s out, expect Craig Porter Jr. to get some significant minutes.
Lastly, look at the rebounding battle. When Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combine for 20+ rebounds, the Cavs win about 80% of their games. It’s a simple stat, but it’s the most consistent indicator of how the final score is going to look.
Keep your eyes on the box score—tonight is going to be a gritty one.