CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers will play the Detroit Pistons in Cleveland’s preseason finale on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Rocket Arena.
Preseason games are glorified practices. And for a team with championship aspirations like the Cavs, the regular season represents a long prelude to what really matters — the NBA playoffs.
Still, games must be played for the Cavs to reach where they want to go, and coach Kenny Atkinson said he will use his regular players against the Pistons.
Tipoff for Cavs versus Pistons is scheduled for 7 p.m. Check back here for updates throughout Cleveland’s fourth and final preseason game of 2025.
Here is some pregame information:
The 2025-26 Cavs entered their game Oct. 14 with a record of 0-3 in the preseason. Here are the results of their first three exhibition games:
Oct. 7 vs. Chicago Bulls: lost 118-117Oct. 9 at Bulls: lost 119-112Oct. 12 at Boston Celtics: lost 138-107
Cleveland Cavaliers schedule. When do the Cavs start the regular season? When is Cleveland’s home opener?
The Cavs are scheduled to open the regular season at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the New York Knicks.
The Cavs will then visit the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24.
The Cavs will return to Cleveland for their regular-season home opener at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cleveland Cavs injuries
Starting point guard Darius Garland (toe surgery) is expected to miss time early in the regular season.
Atkinson said Garland participated in live five-on-five on Oct. 14.
“It was very short. It was a touch,” Atkinson added. “But you know how it is. OK — great. Now let’s see what tomorrow looks like. What does the recovery look like? We know this is not an easy injury to come back from. It’s just not.”
Cavs’ Darius Garland plays five-on-five in comeback from toe surgery
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland takes ‘a good step’ in comeback from toe surgery. Here’s an update from coach Kenny Atkinson on video.
Starting small forward Max Strus (foot surgery) will miss a significant chunk of the regular season. The team stated Strus is expected to resume basketball activities in approximately three to four months from the time of his Aug. 26 surgery.
Guard Sam Merrill (abductor muscle) told reporters he’ll play Oct. 14 against the Pistons after sitting out the first three preseason games. Atkinson said Merrill will play and start.
How can I watch the Cavs game today?
Cavs versus Pistons can be watched locally on the FanDuel Sports Network. It can be heard on local radio via WMMS (100.7-FM) and WTAM (1100-AM).