Cavs to begin 2025-26 season with visit to Knicks

The Cavaliers are still about three months away from a real game, but hey, that time will fly. Or at least many of us hope.

Per a release from the NBA, the 2025-26 Cavs season will begin Oct. 22 with a visit to the Knicks. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST, with ESPN as your broadcast channel.

Cleveland is considered a true blue Eastern Conference contender after last season’s 64-18 finish and the league and networks intend to keep them in front of a national audience.

Along with opening night on ESPN, the Cavs will again visit Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day. That marks their first Christmas game since LeBron James was on the team. (For the record, their first overall came back in 1977 against the Buffalo Braves. Campy Russell erupted for 28 points, Jim Chones tacked on 20 and Austin Carr scored 16 in a 111-105 victory.)

This one features Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and the rest against East finalists Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks newcomer and former Cavs coach Mike Brown.

But wait, there’s more. Cleveland will also host the defending champion Thunder on MLK Day (Jan. 19), the league announced.

Another Cavs game, per the Pistons, will be held Oct. 27 in Detroit. Peacock will stream that one.

The NBA is releasing its full schedule on Thursday.