If you’re looking to catch some Cavs basketball this evening, Saturday, January 17, 2026, I’ve got some news that might bum you out. The short answer: no. The Cleveland Cavaliers are not playing tonight.
It feels a little weird, right? Especially since they just had that absolute thriller in Philly last night. You’d think they might be back at it, but the NBA schedule-makers decided to give the guys a breather after a intense back-to-back stretch.
Honestly, they probably need it.
Where did the Cavs go?
Cleveland is coming off a massive emotional and physical high. Just last night, January 16, they pulled off a gritty 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. That game was wild. Jaylon Tyson went absolutely nuclear, dropping a career-high 39 points.
When people ask is the Cleveland Cavaliers playing tonight, they’re usually hoping to ride that momentum. But the team is currently traveling back from Pennsylvania or resting up before their next big challenge. They’ve actually played a lot of basketball lately, and the "Wine and Gold" are sitting at a decent 24-19 record right now.
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They’re currently 6th in the Eastern Conference.
Looking back at that 76ers sweep
It wasn't just Jaylon Tyson's scoring binge that made the last few days special. Evan Mobley played the hero role perfectly, hitting a dunk with only 4.8 seconds left on the clock to seal the deal last night. That win completed a two-game sweep of Joel Embiid and the Sixers, which is no small feat in 2026.
The Cavs are short-handed. You've probably noticed the bench looks a little thin. Darius Garland is still dealing with that annoying right toe soreness. Sam Merrill is out with a hand sprain. Max Strus? He’s still recovering from foot surgery. Dean Wade is sidelined too.
Basically, the roster is a bit of a hospital ward.
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With all those injuries, a Saturday night off is a blessing in disguise. It gives Donovan Mitchell a chance to rest his legs after carrying such a heavy load. He had 13 points and 12 assists last night, nearly a triple-double, but you could tell he was working for every inch on the floor.
When is the next Cleveland Cavaliers game?
Since they aren't on the court tonight, you'll have to wait until Monday.
On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Cavs return to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It’s a matinee game. They’ll be facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30 PM EST.
- Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Date: Monday, Jan 19
- Time: 2:30 PM EST
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland, OH)
It’s going to be a tough one. The Thunder have been playing fast, and without Garland in the lineup to steady the ship, Mitchell and Mobley will have to be perfect.
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The current state of the Eastern Conference
The East is a total dogfight this year. The Detroit Pistons—surprisingly enough—are actually leading the pack at 29-10. Cleveland is right in the mix of that middle tier with the Celtics, Knicks, and Raptors.
There’s basically zero margin for error.
If you were hoping to watch some NBA tonight regardless, there are other games on the slate, but none involving our Cavs. The team is likely using this time for treatment and film sessions. Coach is probably hammering home the defensive rotations, especially since they've been giving up around 117 points per game lately.
Actionable steps for Cavs fans tonight
Just because there’s no game doesn't mean you can't get your fix. Here is what you can do while you wait for Monday's tip-off:
- Check the injury report on Sunday evening. Keep an eye on Darius Garland's status. If he’s upgraded to questionable, it changes the entire dynamic for the OKC game.
- Watch the Jaylon Tyson highlights. If you missed the 39-point explosion in Philly, go find the reel. It was a glimpse into the future of this team's depth.
- Secure Monday tickets. Since it's a 2:30 PM start (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), tickets are moving fast. SeatGeek and Ticketmaster still have some listed starting around $44.
- Rest up. Use the "off" night to recharge just like the players are doing.
The quest for a top-four seed continues on Monday. For now, the Cavs are keeping the sneakers in the locker.