CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Cavaliers have been here before. In the post-post LeBron James era, the team has returned to the NBA playoffs for the fourth year in a row. But the question for all Cavs fans is how far is the team going to go?
‘Not fair for actual fans’: Cavs’ first playoff game this season is only on one streaming service
The only way to get to the finals is to win three series. Last weekend, the Cavs started that journey and are now up 2-0 over the Toronto Raptors in round 1.
Here’s what we know about playoffs logistics so far:
OPPONENTAs the No. 4 seed this year, the Cavs are playing the fifth-seeded Raptors to begin.
DATES/TIMESSince it’s a 7-game series — and the Cavs have home court advantage — the following games are being played in Cleveland at Rocket Arena: 1, 2, 5 and 7. Games 5-7 of course are only played as needed.
Here are the dates and times for the first four games
FAN PLANSIn years past, the city of Cleveland has hosted multiple free fan appreciation events surrounding the home playoff games. We will announce those as more is learned. Find out more about Cavs-sponsored away game watch parties right here.
WHAT’S NEXTHopefully, going onto Round 2 (and beyond). But if you ask any coach or player in any sport ever, the mindset is just one game at a time. The playoffs come to their conclusion in June.
LOOKING BACKThe 2025-2026 regular season was one defined by many injuries and a trade that ended up sending the beloved Darius Garland to Los Angeles and veteran James Harden to Cleveland. The team finished at a respectable fourth place in the Eastern Conference, making for a less exciting season than last year’s first place finish.
But history doesn’t remember how you finished in the regular season. People remember champions. And that is what head coach Kenny Atkinson and star player Donovan Mitchell have said is the goal — winning it all.
Last year, the Cavs’ dreams of playoff glory were dashed once again in the second round with a 5-game stint against the Indiana Pacers (who ultimately lost in the finals). The year prior, they fell to the Boston Celtics also in Round 2.
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