The Philadelphia 76ers carry the NBA's best record and a five-game winning streak into Cleveland for a Friday night NBA Cup showdown. Their Last result: Detroit Pistons 106-112 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-11-04) continued a perfect 5-0 run in their last five outings. LeBron James makes his first return to his former team since signing with Philadelphia, setting up a major Eastern Conference test.
The 76ers' 8-1 start is no accident. Their offense is humming, averaging over 112 points during this win streak. In the recent victory over Detroit, Jaylen Brown dropped 30 points while Joel Embiid dominated with 26 points and 15 rebounds. James nearly notched a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Tyrese Maxey, who scored 19 against the Pistons, highlighted the team's unselfish play. "We're competitive as hell," Maxey said. "All the ego stuff and the one ball stuff that we hear is going to be OK, because LeBron is here and he has made everybody willing passers." James himself pointed to the team's chemistry, saying it makes the game easier when players genuinely enjoy being around each other.
This homecoming feels different. James seriously considered rejoining the Cavaliers in free agency before picking the 76ers in July. That decision ended hopes of a storybook reunion in Cleveland, where he won the 2016 NBA championship. For the first time in 13 years as a visitor, his game there is not an advance sellout. Tickets were still available at $99.
The Cavaliers also opted not to hold their 10th-anniversary championship ceremony with James in the building. They scheduled it for Saturday against the New York Knicks instead. On the court, James is averaging 15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in his 24th NBA season.
Cleveland is reeling. They've lost two straight and face significant injury problems ahead of this Next fixture: vs Cleveland Cavaliers (away, 2026-11-06). Starting center Jarrett Allen suffered a knee-to-knee collision on Wednesday and his status is uncertain. "Too early to determine," Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson admitted.
Starting small forward Peyton Watson and key reserve Jaylon Tyson also missed the last two games. This depleted roster must contend with a deep Philadelphia team that added Brown and front-office executive Mike Gansey in the offseason. The Cavaliers open their NBA Cup group play in this matchup, while the 76ers are already 1-0 in the tournament.
Philadelphia's early schedule has been favorable, but they've handled business. Their only loss came against these same Pistons back on October 25. Since then, they've strung together wins against Indiana, New York, Charlotte, Chicago, and Detroit again. The blend of veteran leadership from James, the scoring punch of Brown and Embiid, and the energy of Maxey creates a balanced attack.
For now, they are the team to beat in the East.
