When Do the Cleveland Cavaliers Play Again?
The Cleveland Cavaliers play their next game on Friday, January 16, 2026, against the Philadelphia 76ers. This is an away game taking place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
If you missed the last few outings, you missed a bizarre mix of brilliance and head-scratching lapses. After a dominant 133-107 win over these same 76ers just a couple of days ago, the Cavs are looking to prove it wasn't a fluke. Honestly, playing the same team twice in a row in their building is always a trap, but the Wine and Gold seem to have Philly's number lately.
📖 Related: 1280 Zone Listen Live: Why Utah Sports Radio is Still the Best Way to Follow the Jazz and Utes
The Immediate Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
The next few weeks are basically a gauntlet of "proving ground" games. After they wrap up in Philly, the Cavs head back home for a massive holiday matchup.
- Monday, January 19 (MLK Day): vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Arena (2:30 PM ET). This is the big one. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Cleveland is always special, and the Thunder are bringing a high-octane offense that’ll test Cleveland's perimeter defense.
- Wednesday, January 21: at Charlotte Hornets (7:00 PM ET). A quick road trip to the Spectrum Center.
- Friday, January 23: vs. Sacramento Kings at Rocket Arena (7:30 PM ET). It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration night, so the energy in the building should be electric.
- Saturday, January 24: at Orlando Magic (7:00 PM ET). The first half of a home-and-home set that usually gets pretty physical.
Why the Next Few Games Are Critical
Look, the standings are a mess right now. As of mid-January 2026, the Cavs are sitting at 23-19, which puts them roughly 7th in the Eastern Conference. If the season ended today, they’d be staring down the barrel of the Play-In Tournament. Nobody wants that.
Coach Kenny Atkinson has been vocal about the team's "mentality" lately. Jarrett Allen even mentioned in a post-game scrum that the struggle is mostly mental right now. They’ve shown they can blow out the best teams (like that 146-point explosion against Minnesota), but then they’ll turn around and drop a heartbreaker to a rebuilding Utah Jazz squad.
The inconsistency is driving fans crazy. You’ve got a team that ranks in the Top 5 for offensive efficiency but sometimes looks like they’ve forgotten how to close out a defensive possession in the fourth quarter. These upcoming games against Philly and OKC will tell us if they’ve actually "turned the corner" or if we’re just in for more of the same.
The Injury Bug: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
You can't talk about when the Cleveland Cavaliers play again without checking the trainer's room. It’s been a revolving door lately.
Darius Garland is the big question mark. He’s been dealing with a nagging injury to his right foot. He left the Philly game early on Wednesday after a hard fall, and while it doesn't look like a re-aggravation of his old surgery, he's basically day-to-day. His absence leaves a massive void in the playmaking department.
🔗 Read more: Lane Johnson 40 Time: What Most People Get Wrong
Max Strus is still out. We’re still waiting on his season debut after that left foot surgery. The latest whispers suggest he might be back around February 11, but for now, the wing depth is thin. Dean Wade is also sidelined with a knee contusion, though he’s expected back sooner rather than later—likely around the MLK Day game.
How to Watch the Cavs in 2026
If you aren't heading down to Rocket Arena (which, by the way, is leading the league in attendance this year), you've got a few ways to tune in.
💡 You might also like: Italy soccer team schedule: The High-Stakes Path Back to the World Cup
- Bally Sports Ohio / Regional Networks: Still the primary home for most regular-season games.
- NBA League Pass: Great if you’re out of market, but blackouts are still a thing, unfortunately.
- National Broadcasts: The Friday game against Philly is a national spot on ESPN. Expect the usual hype.
- Radio: WTAM 1100 is still the go-to for the legendary "Cavaliers Basketball!" calls.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Lineup: Always check the injury report 30 minutes before tip-off, especially with Garland's foot being so hit-or-miss.
- Ticket Deals: If you're looking to go to the game against the Lakers on January 28, buy now. Prices are already spiking over $130 for the cheap seats because, well, it’s the Lakers.
- Watch the Standings: Keep an eye on the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. They are the teams the Cavs are currently fighting for that 5th and 6th seed to avoid the Play-In.
The road ahead isn't easy, but the talent is there. Between Donovan Mitchell's MVP-caliber season (averaging nearly 30 points) and Evan Mobley's defensive growth, the pieces are on the board. Now they just need to put them together for four quarters.
Next Step: Check the official NBA injury report two hours before the January 16 tip-off to see if Darius Garland is cleared to play against the 76ers.