The energy in Northeast Ohio is pretty electric right now, especially with the Cleveland Cavaliers finding their rhythm as we hit the middle of January. If you are sitting there wondering what time Cleveland play tonight, I’ve got the full breakdown for you, but there is a small catch you need to know about first.
Actually, the Cavs aren't taking the court this evening, Sunday, January 18. They are gearing up for a massive Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee tomorrow.
It’s one of those weird scheduling quirks where the league sets up a huge "Monday Holiday" showcase, so the team is getting their rest tonight before a high-profile battle at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Honestly, it's probably for the best because their next opponent is a juggernaut.
The Tip-Off: When Does Cleveland Play Next?
Since there is no game tonight, Sunday, you’ll want to set your alarms for tomorrow. The Cleveland Cavaliers face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
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This isn't your typical 7:00 p.m. weeknight game. Because it is part of the NBA’s MLK Day quadruple-header on NBC, the timing is a bit earlier than usual. If you’re working or have plans, you might want to sneak a peek at your phone or set the DVR. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are currently sitting at 35-8, which is the best record in the league. Cleveland, on the other hand, is riding a nice two-game winning streak and looking to prove they belong in that top-tier conversation.
Watching the Cavs: TV and Streaming Info
Since this is a national TV game, the broadcast situation is a little different than the usual local Bally Sports (or FanDuel Sports Network) routine.
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock
- Local Radio: Newsradio WTAM 1100
If you're a cord-cutter, Peacock is going to be your best friend for this one. They’ve been leaning heavily into NBA coverage lately, and this game is a centerpiece of their holiday slate. For the traditionalists, just flip over to your local NBC affiliate.
What’s at Stake for Cleveland?
Donovan Mitchell has been playing out of his mind lately. He is currently averaging about 29.2 points per game, which is the highest scoring average for a Cavalier since LeBron James was wearing the wine and gold back in 2010. That's a huge deal.
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The Cavs are currently 24-19. They are "resurgent," as the scouts like to say, but the Thunder are a different beast. OKC just took a rare loss to the Heat on Saturday, so they’re going to be coming into Cleveland with a chip on their shoulder.
Key Matchups to Watch
You’ve got to keep an eye on the paint. Chet Holmgren is averaging 2.0 blocks a game, and his length is a nightmare for anyone trying to drive. Cleveland's bigs are going to have to be physical and force Chet into foul trouble early.
On the perimeter, it’s the Mitchell vs. Gilgeous-Alexander show. Shai is the reigning MVP for a reason. He’s smooth, he’s efficient, and he rarely makes mistakes. Mitchell is going to need to be just as efficient for Cleveland to have a chance to pull off the upset at home.
Other Cleveland Sports Action
If you were specifically looking for a Cleveland team to watch tonight, January 18, you actually have one option. The Cleveland State Vikings women's basketball team is playing Robert Morris at the Wolstein Center. That game tips off at 2:00 p.m. ET and is streaming on ESPN+.
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The Browns, unfortunately, finished their season a couple of weeks ago with a 5-12 record. We are already looking ahead to the 2026 draft and the schedule release this spring. For now, the city's sporting heart is beating in the middle of the basketball season.
Preparing for Game Day
If you're planning on heading downtown to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for the Monday game, remember that holiday traffic can be a bit wonky.
- Check the gates: Doors usually open 90 minutes before tip-off.
- Verify your tickets: Most entry is mobile-only now, so have the app ready.
- Parking: Gateway East Garage is usually the go-to, but it fills up fast for these national TV games.
The Cavs are 6.5-point underdogs heading into this matchup. But hey, they’re at home, they’re healthy, and "The Land" usually shows up loud for these holiday games. It’s going to be a fun one to watch.
To make sure you don't miss any last-minute roster moves or injury updates, check the official NBA injury report about two hours before the 2:30 p.m. tip-off tomorrow. Sometimes these holiday lineups shift if players are nursing minor tweaks from the weekend. You can also follow the local beat writers on social media for the fastest updates on who is starting in the backcourt alongside Mitchell.