Cleveland opens the 2026-27 season Thursday, October 22 in Philadelphia, then plays the Nets and Timberwolves at home. The health report on opening night matters more than the opponent.
When do the Cavs play this week?
Thursday, October 22 at the 76ers on ESPN, Saturday, October 24 against the Nets, and Monday, October 26 against the Timberwolves. That is three games in five days, one on the road and two at home. The Wizards come next on October 28. Nothing in the schedule shows a back-to-back, so the load is tight but not brutal.
Which game matters most?
The opener. It is the only road game of the week and the only one on national TV. Preseason ended with a 132-116 loss at Orlando, and the Celtics scored 124 in the preseason opener. Last season Cleveland's defense ranked 15th. Preseason scores prove little, but Thursday is the first chance to see whether that end of the floor has improved.
Who might miss the opener?
Three players carry an estimated return of October 22: Sam Merrill with a right elbow issue, Nae'Qwan Tomlin with a back problem, and Khalifa Diop with a left knee issue. Those are the names on the current injury list. An estimate is not a clearance, so expect the real answer closer to tipoff in Philadelphia.
Is the roster finally set?
Closer than it was. Rashaun Agee, Tre'Von Spillers, Zack Austin and Noam Yaacov all left the team on October 18, trimming camp bodies down to 17 players. Mario Hezonja is still on the roster. Cleveland carries a $209.0 million payroll, above the $200.4 million tax line, so every spot now belongs to someone the team plans to use.
When do the Cavaliers open the 2026-27 season?
Cleveland opens Thursday, October 22 at the 76ers, and the game is on ESPN.
Who do the Cavaliers play at home this week?
They host the Nets on Saturday, October 24 and the Timberwolves on Monday, October 26.
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