The Cleveland Cavaliers tip off their 2026-27 preseason slate this Thursday, October 8, hosting the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. While preseason results are secondary, the game offers a first look at new rotations and chemistry.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to roll out a lineup featuring Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta. For the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will likely counter with a starting five of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. This gives fans an early glimpse of how Harden and Mitchell will share backcourt duties.
Cleveland's injury situation is relatively clean heading into the preseason opener. The only player listed is new forward Peyton Watson, who is day-to-day with a strained hamstring. His status for Thursday's contest is uncertain. The Celtics, meanwhile, have a clean bill of health to begin their exhibition schedule.
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off on Thursday, October 8. Local television coverage will be provided by NBC Sports Boston. For those looking to stream the action, FuboTV will carry a live broadcast. This preseason contest won't be televised on a national network, so these are the primary viewing options for Cavaliers supporters.
This game is a fresh start after a difficult postseason. Preseason is about shaking off that rust and integrating new pieces. The Celtics also have a reshaped roster, making this a useful early test for both teams' depth.
