How to watch Cavs season opener for free today

Donovan Mitchell leads a retooled Cavs roster against LeBron James and the high-powered Philadelphia 76ers in the season opener today. Find out how to watch for free. (AP Photo/Tim Phillis)AP Photo/Tim PhillisIf you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.By Robert Fenbers, cleveland.comPHILADELPHIA - After a sour end in the conference finals last year, Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers begin another quest for an NBA championship with a road matchup against franchise icon LeBron James and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers. Here are more details on how to watch Cavs vs. 76ers on TV and streaming services. What: NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ersWhen: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena | Philadelphia, Pa. Channel: ESPN Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and ESPN StreamingHow do I watch Cavs basketball for free?This NBA matchup will broadcast live on ESPN at 7 p.m. Eastern. You can take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which offer large discounts on your first month. Catch this game on Sling TV for $19.99 per month with Sling Essentials, which offers ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel and more.Fans can also stream this game and dozens of other live sports with ESPN Streaming for $13.99 per month. Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game: 1. LeBron James hosts Cavs after another wild summer, unexpected landing James, who won a historic NBA championship with the Cavs in 2016, will debut in a Philadelphia uniform at home for the first time since deciding to sign with the Sixers over the summer. Cleveland was one of the top teams in the mix for the talents of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. 2. Cleveland enters season with high expectations behind familiar coreFollowing an Eastern Conference Finals sweep courtesy of the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks, head coach Kenny Atkinson returns a formidable core anchored by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden.3. Peyton Watson set to make his defensive-minded Cavaliers debutAcquired from the Denver Nuggets in a multi-team trade after averaging 14.6 points and shooting 49.1% last season, Watson is expected to immediately raise Cleveland’s defensive ceiling, while also providing a potent punch on the offensive end. 4. Frontcourt injuries could thrust Thomas Bryant and Mario Hezonja into key rolesWith center Jarrett Allen questionable and both Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Khalifa Diop sidelined, Cleveland could rely on Thomas Bryant against Joel Embiid, while Mario Hezonja prepares for his first NBA action since August 2020.5. Philadelphia arrives with opening-night momentum behind their new additionsThe 76ers enter at 1-0 after defeating the defending champion Knicks 106-100, led by Tyrese Maxey’s 28 points alongside strong contributions from Jaylen Brown, James, and Embiid.Where to watch Cavs vs. 76ers NBA season opener free live stream tonight (10/22/26)Where to watch Heat vs. Timberwolves NBA FREE STREAM season opener today | Giannis Miami debutWhere to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Opening Night FREE STREAM today Where to watch 76ers vs. Knicks NBA Opening Night FREE STREAM today | LeBron James Philadelphia debutBarcelona vs. PSG today (10/20/26): Where to watch Champions LeagueRobert Fenbers, who has been a freelance journalist since 2015, is the sports commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Robert focuses on local and national sporting event ticket sales and how...