The New York Knicks have clarity on their upcoming matchup.
Beginning May 19th, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will be competing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are spearheaded by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, in the eagerly awaited 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.
Here are the scheduled home game times at Madison Square Garden:
game 1
Tuesday, May 19th
8pm
game 2
Thursday, May 21st
8pm
Game 5
Wednesday, May 27th
8pm
Game 7
Sunday, May 31st
8pm
If you’re looking to experience the games at MSG, last-minute tickets are available for all four possible games in New York.
As of now, the lowest ticket price on SeatGeek is $510, including fees.
Tickets for other games range from about $557 to $1,194, also inclusive of fees.
New York comes into this series fairly well-rested. They took down the 76ers in the semifinals on May 10, which gives them a nice span of rest before Game 1.
Additionally, star forward OG Anunoby is returning after dealing with a minor right hamstring strain from Game 2 against the Sixers.
In contrast, the Cavaliers had a grueling seven-game series against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, ultimately claiming victory with a 125-94 win in Game 7.
“It’s wonderful to play at home… but it doesn’t really matter,” said Donovan Mitchell, a New York City native, during the postgame conference.
“We’ve got to be focused and ready… They’re a tough team. We’re looking forward to it.”
Adding another layer of excitement is Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who has a history with the Cavaliers. Brown, who coached in Cleveland from 2005-2010 and again in 2013-14, led the Cavs to their first Finals in 2007.
He’s hoping to achieve the same with New York, a franchise that hasn’t been to the Finals since they lost to the Spurs in 1999.
“I don’t see it as pressure; we’re here to compete for championships,” Brown commented. “That’s my focus all year.”
“People can speculate about Mike Brown, but I just need to tune out the noise. The pressure I put on myself and the team is to strive for greatness, or to be the best in the league.”
While the outcome of this series is uncertain, one thing is for sure: Madison Square Garden will be buzzing.
See you soon.
New York Knicks playoff home game tickets
The full calendar with all the Knicks Eastern Conference semifinal home game dates and the lowest ticket prices is available here.
| New York Knicks home game schedule | Ticket price start with |
|---|---|
| game 1 Tuesday, May 19th |
$557 (Including fees) |
| game 2 Thursday, May 21st |
$510 (Including fees) |
| Game 5 Wednesday, May 27th (if necessary) |
$809 (Including fees) |
| Game 7 Sunday, May 31st (if necessary) |
$1,194 (Including fees) |
Cleveland Cavaliers playoff home game tickets
Check out all the Cavs Rocket Arena playoff home game dates and the lowest ticket prices available below.
| Cleveland Cavaliers home game schedule | Ticket price start with |
|---|---|
| Game 3 Saturday, May 23rd |
Not applicable |
| Game 4 Monday, May 25th |
Not applicable |
| Game 6 Friday, May 29th (if necessary) |
Not applicable |
How to watch the Knicks and Cavs on TV
Fans wishing to catch the games can tune into MSG, ABC, ESPN, TNT, Prime Video, NBC, and NBA TV for every first-round playoff match.
Remember to check your local listings.
If you’re not on cable, DIRECTV is a solid option.
About Knicks vs. Cavs
The Knicks and Cavs squared off three times during the 2025-26 season.
In their first matchup on October 22nd, New York took the win with a score of 119-111, thanks to OG Anunoby’s 24 points and Jalen Brunson’s 23.
The second clash on Christmas Day also saw a Knicks victory, though it was close. Cleveland initially led, but New York adjusted and ended up winning 126-124, largely driven by Brunson’s performance.
Cleveland snagged its only win against the Knicks on February 24, coming out on top 109-94, with Mitchell scoring 23 points and contributing across the board.
As for this series, predictions suggest that the Knicks might take it in six games.
2026 NBA Playoffs Schedule
Curious about how the playoffs will unfold?
Please check the NBA 2026 Playoff Bracket for updates.
A major concert will be held at MSG in 2026
Wondering what to do once the 2025-26 NBA season draws to a close?
Madison Square Garden has a lineup of exciting performances scheduled throughout the summer.
Here are five upcoming shows you won’t want to miss:
• Bon Jovi (multiple dates in July)
• Earth, Wind & Fire with Lionel Richie (July 11)
• Phish (multiple dates in July)
• RUSH (various dates in late July and early August)
• J. Cole (August 2 and 4)
For more events in New York, take a look at the full list of shows happening at Madison Square Garden.
