Wait, didn't they just play? If you’re asking who is the Cavs playing tonight, you might be feeling a bit of deja vu. The Cleveland Cavaliers are actually off tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026. They literally just walked off the floor at Xfinity Mobile Arena late last night after a heart-stopping 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA scheduling is weird like that. Sometimes you get these "baseball-style" series where you play the same team twice in three days, and Cleveland just finished a grueling two-game set in Philly. They’ve earned a night of recovery before heading back to the 216.
The Sixers Hangover and Why Tonight Matters for Rest
Even though there isn't a tip-off tonight, the fallout from last night's game is basically all anyone in Cleveland is talking about. The Cavs moved to 24-19 on the season. That puts them firmly in the 6th seed in the East, just a hair behind the Orlando Magic. Honestly, the win was a miracle.
Darius Garland was out with that annoying "great toe" soreness on his right foot. Then you had Sam Merrill sidelined with a hand sprain. It felt like a scheduled loss, especially going into Philadelphia's house. But then Jaylon Tyson happened.
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The rookie went absolutely nuclear. 39 points.
He didn't just score; he looked like the best player on the floor for long stretches. When Evan Mobley slammed home that last-second dunk to seal the win, it wasn't just a victory—it was a statement that the Cavs' depth is real. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid (who dropped 33) looked genuinely shell-shocked at the podium afterward. Maxey basically admitted that the Cavs' "double big" lineup with Mobley and Jarrett Allen is a nightmare for them to solve.
When do the Cavs play next?
If you were looking for your hoops fix tonight, you'll have to wait until Monday, January 19. That’s a big one. The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to Rocket Arena for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee.
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- Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026
- Time: 2:30 PM EST
- Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland
That game is going to be a massive test. OKC has been dominant lately, and they’re bringing a different kind of speed than Philly does. The Cavs are hoping to have Garland back for that one, but with toe injuries, you never really know. The medical staff usually treats those with extreme caution because one wrong pivot can set a guy back three weeks.
Who else is out for Cleveland?
The injury report is a bit of a mess right now, which is why this night off is so vital.
Max Strus is still recovering from that foot surgery and isn't expected back until mid-February. Dean Wade is dealing with a knee contusion. It's basically "Next Man Up" season in Cleveland.
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We saw Craig Porter Jr. step into the starting role last night and dish out 11 assists. He’s not a big scorer—he only had two points—but he keeps the engine running. If Garland sits again on Monday, expect Porter Jr. and Lonzo Ball to handle the primary playmaking duties against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and that terrifying Thunder backcourt.
Why the Eastern Conference Standings are a Knife Fight
The East is incredibly crowded right now. One week you’re looking at home-court advantage, the next you’re staring at the Play-In tournament.
The Detroit Pistons (yeah, you read that right) are actually sitting at the top of the conference with 29 wins. The Celtics and Knicks are right behind them. The Cavs at 24 wins are in a solid spot, but they can't afford a post-Philly letdown.
Every game matters because the gap between the 4th seed and the 8th seed is basically non-existent. Philadelphia is sitting at 22 wins now after losing to the Cavs, so that head-to-head tiebreaker Cleveland just secured could be the difference between a week of rest in April or a do-or-die game against the Heat.
Actionable Next Steps for Cavs Fans
- Check the 1:30 PM Injury Report on Monday: This is when the official status for Darius Garland and Sam Merrill will be updated for the Thunder game.
- Monitor the Waiver Wire: If you're playing fantasy ball, Jaylon Tyson is a must-add if he’s somehow still available. 39 points doesn't happen by accident.
- Secure MLK Day Tickets: Since it's a 2:30 PM start on Monday, the atmosphere at Rocket Arena is usually electric with families and students off for the holiday.
Enjoy the night off from the stress of a close game. The Cavs needed this break, and honestly, after that comeback in Philly, the fans probably do too.