CLEVELAND — As the NBA common season winds down, the Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks will meet in a possible first-round playoff preview on Wednesday, April 8, at Rocket Arena.
Whether the Cavs will put the pedal to the metallic in an effort to win the game stays to be seen, however coach Kenny Atkinson stated Cleveland will function usually as a substitute of holding again. The Cavs shall be both the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The No. 4 seed is by far the likeliest end result, and it additionally would place the Cavs to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons within the second spherical, supplied each groups advance, as a substitute of the second-place Boston Celtics. The Cavs haven’t been secretive about this: They view a matchup with Detroit as favorable to Cleveland.
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Meanwhile, the Hawks would clinch a playoff spot and the Southeast Division title with a win in Cleveland.
Tipoff for Cavs (50-29) versus Hawks (45-34) is scheduled for 7 p.m. Check again right here for updates all through the game.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier within the day in a commerce from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sits within the stands to look at a game in opposition to the Cavs on Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 is doused with water by teammate Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game in opposition to the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball in opposition to the Phoenix Suns within the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 and Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers through the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) within the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 24: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic collects a rebound in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers through the second quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket in opposition to Sacramento Kings ahead Domantas Sabonis (11) through the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket whereas guarded by Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller on Jan. 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 19: Guard Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder through the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket in opposition to Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers through the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, heart, drives to the basket in opposition to Philadelphia 76ers defenders Joel Embiid, left, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz ahead Kevin Love (42) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) through the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Nae’qwan Tomlin (35) goes for a free ball in opposition to Minnesota Timberwolves ahead Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) through the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Evan Mobley (4) defends in opposition to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) within the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Indiana Pacers ahead Pascal Siakam (43) within the first half, Jan. 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) through the second half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) seems to be to cross whereas being defended by Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) through the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes up for a dunk through the second half in opposition to the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs ahead Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots in opposition to Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) within the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Rockets ahead Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers ahead De’Andre Hunter through the second half, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots the ball through the first quarter as Knicks ahead OG Anunoby (8) defends at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 25, 2025.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers ahead De’Andre Hunter celebrates after a second-half dunk in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans, Dec. 23, 2025, Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson tries to get the eye of referee Natalie Sago (9) within the third quarter in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Chicago Bulls ahead Matas Buzelis (14) loses the ball in opposition to Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) chase the ball through the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) shoots in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) defends within the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works in opposition to Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) through the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs ahead Keldon Johnson (3) defends Dec. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers ahead De’Andre Hunter rebounds within the first quarter in opposition to the Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) looses the ball whereas Indiana Pacers ahead Isaiah Jackson (22) defends within the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) passes through the second half in opposition to the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks ahead Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball in opposition to Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) through the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Luke Travers (33) comes down with a rebound in opposition to the Toronto Raptors through the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Nae’Qwan Tomlin (35) blocks the shot of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden on Nov. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) loses the ball in opposition to Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) through the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket in opposition to Houston Rockets heart Steven Adams (12) through the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) within the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) within the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) drives between Toronto Raptors heart Jakob Poeltl (19) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) within the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cavs ahead Larry Nance Jr. shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat through the first half, Nov. 12, 2025 in Miami.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat ahead Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) struggle for a free ball through the first interval at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk in opposition to the Chicago Bulls through the first half at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the dunk. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and Washington Wizards ahead Khris Middleton chase a free ball within the second half of a NBA Cup game, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball up courtroom within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) through the first half in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley (4) defends a shot by Toronto Raptors ahead Collin Murray-Boyles (12) within the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers ahead/guard De’Andre Hunter (12) and Boston Celtics heart Luka Garza (52) work for the ball within the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers heart Thomas Bryant (3) dunks as Detroit Pistons’ Tolu Smith seems to be on Oct. 27, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket in opposition to Milwaukee Bucks ahead Bobby Portis (9) through the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) blocks a shot taken by Brooklyn Nets heart Nic Claxton (33) within the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The greatest photos from every game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) hangs on the rim after a dunk in opposition to New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) through the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Who will the Cleveland Cavs play within the first spherical of the NBA playoffs?
Entering April 8, the Cavs had been positioned to face the Hawks within the first spherical as a result of the Cavs and Hawks had been in fourth and fifth place within the East standings, respectively.
The Cavs and Hawks entered April 8 tied of their 2025-26 regular-season collection with one win apiece.
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks ahead Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball in opposition to Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) through the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Cavs’ remaining regular-season schedule
After the Cavs face the Hawks on April 8, Cleveland could have two regular-season video games left.
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April 23 versus the Washington Wizards
Apr 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) after being fouled by the Golden State Warriors through the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
When do the NBA playoffs begin?
The Play-In Tournament is slated to run from April 14-17. The playoffs are slated to start April 18.
The high six groups in every convention on the finish of normal season mechanically qualify for the playoffs. The groups putting seventh via tenth compete within the Play-In Tournament for the ultimate two playoff seeds.
The Cavs have clinched home-court benefit within the first spherical.
Indiana Pacers heart Micah Potter (11) drives to the basket in opposition to Cleveland Cavaliers heart Thomas Bryant (3) on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavs harm report vs. Hawks. Cavaliers announce Donovan Mitchell and Dean Wade can be found to play
The Cavs dominated out heart Thomas Bryant (left calf pressure). They additionally dominated out wing Jaylon Tyson (left large toe bone bruise) after downgrading his standing from questionable to uncertain.
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The Cavs introduced guard Donovan Mitchell (proper ankle sprain) and ahead Dean Wade (proper ankle sprain) can be found to face the Hawks. They had been beforehand listed as questionable.
The Hawks dominated out heart Jock Landale (proper excessive ankle sprain).
Cavs game on TV right this moment. How can I watch, stream or hearken to Cavaliers vs. Hawks?
The April 8 game between the Cavs and Hawks shall be televised nationally by ESPN and regionally by FanDuel Sports Network — Ohio. The native radio broadcast could be heard by way of WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
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The Akron Beacon Journal sports activities division could be contacted by way of e-mail at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
