The Cleveland Cavaliers concluded their preseason schedule with a 132-116 loss to the Orlando Magic on October 13, 2026. This exhibition contest at the Kia Center saw the Magic's new-look offense click into gear, overshadowing a night where Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson planned to ramp up his starters' minutes. The defeat followed a Cleveland win over the same Orlando team just two days prior, a 119-105 victory on October 11.
The Magic's offense was the story. They moved the ball effectively on the perimeter, generating easier three-point looks as part of Coach Sean Sweeney's system. Key to their success was the return of starting point guard Jalen Suggs, who missed Orlando's first couple of games with an illness. His presence allowed the Magic to run their regular starting five for the first time this preseason. For Cleveland, newcomers Peyton Watson and Mario Hezonja had shown promising flashes of athleticism and shot-making in the previous game, but the team's defense couldn't contain Orlando's balanced attack in this final tune-up.
Atkinson had indicated before the game that he would increase his starters' playing time. With only three preseason games total, this was a final chance to simulate regular season rotations before the real games begin. The Cavaliers' projected and official starting lineup for this game was James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Orlando countered with Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.
Cleveland's health situation featured a couple of game-time decisions. Forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin was listed with a back issue, while center Khalifa Diop was out with an undisclosed ailment. Their status for the regular season opener will be something to monitor. The Magic had a longer list, with Anthony Black (ankle), Jonathan Isaac (knee), and Izaiyah Nelson (ankle) all ruled out. Suggs' return from illness was a positive development for them, providing a full-strength backcourt test for the Cavs' guards.
This preseason finale offered a mixed bag for Cleveland. They displayed their potential in the October 11 win, but the October 13 loss highlighted areas needing work, particularly on the defensive end. The team's versatility and the integration of new forwards remain a work in progress as they shift focus to games that count.
All preseason results are now in the rearview mirror. The Cavaliers' attention turns fully to the 2026-27 NBA regular season. Their campaign officially begins on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22. That matchup will provide the first true measurement of how Atkinson's rotations and system hold up under regular season pressure. The 132-116 scoreline from Orlando is a preseason result, but the lessons from it will need to be applied quickly.
The team's earlier preseason included a 113-124 loss to the Boston Celtics on October 8. So the Cavs finished their exhibition slate with a 1-2 record. The focus now is on tightening execution, especially after allowing 132 points in their last outing. The opening night rotation against Philadelphia may still see adjustments based on these final preseason performances. It’s a quick turnaround to face a tough Eastern Conference opponent on the road.
