With great success comes great responsibility — at least as far as the NBA is concerned.
With the NBA, it’s easy to discern who it views as prominent franchises or prominent players. It’s called the national spotlight. In an era when every game is national, however, the only way to truly stand out? Having that spotlight shine on prominent nights. It was a given that would happen when LeBron James was here. Christmas Day belonged to him and his team, for example.
Mar 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) smiles after missing a layup during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been given a great responsibility as far as the league is concerned. They will feature prominently in national coverage as the season opens in October through the first half of the season. It will be up to them to keep it shining bright after that.
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In addition to the previously announced noon Christmas Day game against the New York Knicks, the Cavs will lead ESPN’s opening night doubleheader against the Knicks at 7 p.m. Oct. 22.
But Peacock and NBC have chosen the Cavs to lead off their season and “Peacock NBA Monday,” as part of a doubleheader in which they will travel to play the Detroit Pistons.
They will be part of the first ever Martin Luther King Jr. Day NBA quadruple-header as well. The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will play at Rocket Arena against the Cavs in a 2:30 p.m. matchup.
The schedule makers are showing the team some well-earned respect after a stellar regular season in 2024-25.
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When is the 2025-26 NBA schedule being released?
The rest of the NBA schedule will be revealed Thursday, Aug. 14.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs get marquee Christmas Day game, appearances on ESPN, Peacock