For the first time all season, the Cavaliers are facing a bump in the road.
In back-to-back games, the Cavs lost guard Daniel Gibson (sprained big toe) for up to two weeks and starting center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (sprained left ankle) for an undetermined amount of time. Gibson also missed eight games during his rookie year with the same injury.
"This is our first test," Cavs point guard Mo Williams said. "Everything has been going so well. This is the first injury we've had to someone in our rotation. Let's see how we react from it. There are some guys itching for minutes."
Shooting guard Sasha Pavlovic will get increased minutes with Gibson sidelined.
"Daniel has been playing well for us on both ends of the floor," coach Mike Brown said. "We talked about having a deep team. We're going to have to play a little without one of our key guys. Other guys have to step up when called upon. We just have to go by committee."
Ilgauskas, who stepped on Sixers forward Donyell Marshall's foot in Wednesday's game, has been ruled out of Friday's and Saturday's games. He could miss up to two weeks.
"I don't think I broke anything," he said. "I came down on his foot and sprained it. I sprained the tendon."
The Cavs haven't faced any adversity all season. Now, two key performers have been sidelined.
"Stuff happens," Ilgauskas said. "Everybody goes through injuries. Unfortunately, we got hit right now. We don't have anything major right now, so we'll be OK."
CAVALIERS 88, 76ERS 72: For the fifth time in Cavaliers' history, they've won 11 games in a row. They're shooting for their longest streak ever Saturday night in Atlanta.
The Cavs (20-3), off to their best start ever, have matched previous 11-game streaks in 1988-89, 1991-92 and 1993-94 (twice). They hammered the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday at Quicken Loans Arena.
"It's great for the guys in the locker room," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "We just wanted a win. Hopefully, we'll get one (Saturday)."
They have now won 19 of their last 20 games, and have a seven-game lead over Detroit in the Central Division. They were able to win handily without the services of center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (sprained ankle) and guard Daniel Gibson (sprained toe).
Anderson Varejao started at center for the Cavs and finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals. He made 7-of-10 shots from the field.
"He was very active," Brown said. "He was a huge difference in the game."
All-Star LeBron James contributed a game-high 28 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. He made just 9-of-21 shots from the floor.
"We're rolling," James said.
