Where to Watch Livestream, TV Channel, Time and Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21) visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14) at Paycom Center on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in a marquee NBA regular-season clash between two of the league’s top teams. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT), with the game nationally televised on ABC and available via livestream on multiple platforms.

This matchup pits Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in what promises to be a high-energy contest featuring elite defense, transition scoring and star power. Both clubs enter with strong records — Cleveland on a seven-game winning streak and OKC holding one of the league’s best home marks — making this a potential playoff preview in the 2025-26 season.

How to Watch and Livestream the Game

• TV Channel: ABC (national broadcast in the United States)
• Livestream Options (U.S.):
  • Fubo (offers free trial for new subscribers; carries ABC in most markets)
  • Hulu + Live TV
  • YouTube TV
  • DIRECTV Stream
  • Sling TV (select packages with ABC availability)
• International Viewing: Check local NBA rights holders (e.g., TSN/Sportsnet in Canada, Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in select regions). Free streams may be available on platforms like NBA League Pass in territories without local blackout restrictions.
• Radio/Audio: SiriusXM NBA Radio and local affiliates (e.g., 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, The Franchise in OKC) provide play-by-play.

For cord-cutters, Fubo stands out as a primary option, delivering ABC along with ESPN, TNT and other NBA channels. New users can start with a free trial to catch the game live without immediate cost. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV also include ABC in most U.S. markets.

Game Preview and Key Storylines

The Cavaliers bring momentum after a dominant stretch, led by Mitchell’s scoring (averaging 28+ points recently) and Mobley’s defensive anchor role. Cleveland ranks among the league’s top defensive units and excels in transition, traits that could challenge OKC’s pace-and-space style.

The Thunder, defending Western Conference frontrunners, rely on Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber play (30+ points in multiple recent outings) and Holmgren’s rim protection. Playing at home, OKC boasts one of the league’s best records and thrives in high-profile matchups.

Injury reports are minimal heading into tip-off: Cleveland lists Thomas Sorber (knee) as out, while OKC has Ajay Mitchell questionable. Both teams are otherwise healthy, setting up a full-strength battle.

Head-to-Head Context

This is the second meeting of the season. OKC won the first contest on January 19, 2026, 136-104 in Cleveland, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30 points. The Thunder controlled that game from start to finish, exploiting Cleveland’s interior defense.

Revenge is on the line for the Cavaliers, who seek to prove their seven-game streak is no fluke against a top contender. For OKC, a win would reinforce their status as championship contenders.

How to Follow Live Updates

• Real-time scores and play-by-play: NBA.com, ESPN app, CBS Sports app
• Highlights and post-game analysis: NBA YouTube, ESPN, local sports networks
• Social media: Follow @cavs, @okcthunder, #CavsThunder for clips and reactions

The 1 p.m. ET start time makes this an early-afternoon showdown, ideal for national audiences. With ABC’s coverage, expect pre-game shows highlighting the matchup’s stakes — two young cores, elite defenses and MVP candidates.

Tune in or stream to see if Cleveland can pull off the road upset or if OKC extends its home dominance. This game could shape narratives in both conferences as the 2025-26 season heads toward the playoffs.