Last year, the Cavaliers had a solid regular season. Yet, the Knicks seem to hold the upper hand at Madison Square Garden.
Tonight, the NBA makes its return, and the Knicks kick off their season. Lights at Madison Square Garden will shine brightly as they face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There’s a buzz surrounding the Knicks, especially after they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, even though they, unfortunately, lost to the Pacers. Players like Jalen Brunson are set to make an impact. Could this season hold some magic for them?
On the other side, the Cavaliers were a powerhouse in the East. They secured the top seed and began the season with franchise-best momentum, but were then ousted in the first round by Boston.
Everything unfolds tonight. The Knicks are eager to demonstrate that they’re more than just a team that disrupts others, while the Cavaliers aim to establish their dominance. It’s finally opening night, and we’re right at the forefront. You can find details on how to tune in below.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks: What You Need to Know
- When: Wednesday, October 22nd, 7pm EST
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: DIRECTV (Free trial available)
Start Time for Cavs vs. Knicks:
The initial matchup between the Cavaliers and Knicks starts tonight at 7pm EST.
How to Watch the Game for Free:
If you lack cable, there are options available. A Live TV streaming service could allow you to catch games without charge.
DIRECTV stands out for its free live basketball viewing option. They offer a 5-day trial that includes ESPN, along with other channels necessary for watching the season. After the trial, you can have access to over 90 live channels starting at $49.99 per month.
If you’re hesitant about a full subscription, consider the Sling Orange Day Pass. For $4.99, you can access Sling TV Orange, which includes ESPN, for 24 hours. They also provide weekend and week passes for access from 3 to 7 days.
Key Dates for the 2025-26 NBA Season
- October 21st: Regular season begins
- October 31st: NBA Cup group play begins
- November 1st: NBA Mexico City Game 2025 (Pistons vs. Mavericks)
- November 28th: NBA Cup group play ends
- December 9th-10th: NBA Cup Quarterfinals
- December 13th: NBA Cup Semifinals
- December 16th: NBA Cup Finals
- December 25th: Christmas Day (5 games)
- January 15th: NBA Berlin Game (Magic vs. Grizzlies)
- January 18th: NBA London Game (Magic vs. Grizzlies)
- January 20th-24th: NBA Rivals Week
- February 1st: NBA Pioneers Classic (Bucks vs. Celtics)
- February 5th: Trade deadline
- February 13th-15th: NBA All-Star Weekend
- April 12th: Regular season ends


