PHILADELPHIA – After a sour end in the conference finals last year, Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers begin another quest for an NBA championship with a road matchup against franchise icon LeBron James and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers.
Here are more details on how to watch Cavs vs. 76ers on TV and streaming services.
- What: NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. Eastern
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena | Philadelphia, Pa.
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and ESPN Streaming
How do I watch Cavs basketball for free?
This NBA matchup will broadcast live on ESPN at 7 p.m. Eastern. You can take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which offer large discounts on your first month.
Catch this game on Sling TV for $19.99 per month with Sling Essentials, which offers ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel and more.
Fans can also stream this game and dozens of other live sports with ESPN Streaming for $13.99 per month.
Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game:
1. LeBron James hosts Cavs after another wild summer, unexpected landing
James, who won a historic NBA championship with the Cavs in 2016, will debut in a Philadelphia uniform at home for the first time since deciding to sign with the Sixers over the summer. Cleveland was one of the top teams in the mix for the talents of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
2. Cleveland enters season with high expectations behind familiar core
Following an Eastern Conference Finals sweep courtesy of the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks, head coach Kenny Atkinson returns a formidable core anchored by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden.
3. Peyton Watson set to make his defensive-minded Cavaliers debut
Acquired from the Denver Nuggets in a multi-team trade after averaging 14.6 points and shooting 49.1% last season, Watson is expected to immediately raise Cleveland’s defensive ceiling, while also providing a potent punch on the offensive end.
4. Frontcourt injuries could thrust Thomas Bryant and Mario Hezonja into key roles
With center Jarrett Allen questionable and both Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Khalifa Diop sidelined, Cleveland could rely on Thomas Bryant against Joel Embiid, while Mario Hezonja prepares for his first NBA action since August 2020.
5. Philadelphia arrives with opening-night momentum behind their new additions
The 76ers enter at 1-0 after defeating the defending champion Knicks 106-100, led by Tyrese Maxey’s 28 points alongside strong contributions from Jaylen Brown, James, and Embiid.
