The Cleveland Cavaliers will get their first looks at the top five picks from the 2026 NBA Draft during the upcoming 2026-27 season, beginning with a home game against AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards on October 28. This comes as the team looks to rebound from a tough end to their previous campaign, which concluded with a 93-130 loss to the New York Knicks on May 26, 2026, and a five-game losing streak.
When do the Cavaliers face the number one pick?
The Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards and top overall selection AJ Dybantsa on October 28 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Dybantsa joins a Wizards roster featuring Trae Young and Anthony Davis, a combination some analysts believe makes them a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference. ESPN has already labeled Dybantsa the player most likely to succeed from this draft class. This early-season test will be a significant challenge for Cleveland's defense.
Which other top picks visit Cleveland early?
Caleb Wilson, the fourth overall pick by the Chicago Bulls, comes to town on November 16. Wilson generated buzz alongside Cavaliers rookie Meleek Thomas during Summer League play. He aims to help revitalize a Bulls franchise that has added new head coach and former NBA champion Tiago Splitter. Just two days later, on November 18, the Memphis Grizzlies and third pick Cameron Boozer make their Cleveland debut.
What is Cameron Boozer's connection to the Cavaliers?
Selected third overall from Duke, Cameron Boozer arrives with a stellar college resume as the consensus National Player of the Year. His debut in Cleveland carries extra weight because his father, Carlos Boozer, was drafted by the Cavaliers in 2002. While the younger Boozer never lived in the city, the family link adds a compelling narrative to this regular-season matchup. He is expected to be a primary focus for the Grizzlies' offense.
When do the Cavaliers see the rest of the top five?
The final matchup from the draft's elite group is against the Utah Jazz and fifth pick Darryn Peterson on December 20. Peterson was considered a potential number one overall selection ahead of Dybantsa for much of the pre-draft process. This game concludes the Cavaliers' initial set of contests against the most heralded rookies. Fans can track all these upcoming games and the team's progress on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Facing this influx of young talent will be a major storyline for the Cavaliers throughout the first half of the season. The team's recent form, losing their last five games including the playoff defeat to the Knicks, underscores the need for consistent performance. How they handle these high-profile rookie debuts could set the tone for their entire year. Integrating their own rookie, Meleek Thomas, will be just as important for Cleveland's success.
