Upcoming Matchup: Knicks vs. Cavaliers
In a highly anticipated clash in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers this Tuesday evening, with the game broadcast exclusively on Peacock due to NBC airing the State of the Union address. Both teams currently boast identical records of 36 wins and 21 losses, placing them in a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference, just a game shy of the Boston Celtics who hold the second position.
Team Form and Previous Encounters
The Cavaliers enter this matchup in impressive form, having secured victory in seven consecutive games and winning 14 out of their last 16 contests. The Knicks have also been performing well, with the second-best record over the past month (11-3), trailing only the Cavaliers. This meeting marks the final regular-season encounter between the two teams, with New York having emerged victorious in their previous two meetings — a 119-111 win at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 22, followed by a thrilling 126-124 Christmas Day triumph, where they rallied from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Viewing Information
Fans can tune in to watch the game at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. It will be available on NBCSN via YouTubeTV and can be streamed live on Peacock. Additionally, Peacock will showcase a total of 100 regular-season NBA games during the 2025-2026 season.
Title Aspirations and Player Highlights
In terms of title aspirations, both teams are seen as strong contenders for the NBA Finals. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Cavaliers currently have the best odds at +300, with the Knicks closely following at +330. This season has been particularly tough for Cleveland, as last year’s top-seeded squad (64-18) suffered an early exit in the conference semifinals to the Indiana Pacers. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers are buoyed by their seven-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who has consistently delivered scoring performances, hitting 30-plus points in seven of the last 13 games. His current scoring average stands at 29 points per game, which ranks fifth in the league.
Cleveland’s recent success has also been bolstered by the acquisition of 11-time All-Star James Harden on February 4, although he has yet to team up with Evan Mobley, who is sidelined due to a calf strain since January 26. Conversely, the Knicks have concentrated on defensive improvements, allowing only slightly over 101 points per game over their last 15 matches after previously conceding more than 117 points in the 11 games before that. Jalen Brunson, New York’s leading scorer this season, attributed the defensive turnaround to improved communication and accountability among teammates, emphasizing collective understanding and cohesion as vital factors in their recent success.
Alongside Brunson, teammates OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and the newly added Jose Alvarado have contributed significantly in various areas, compensating for dips in performance from key player Karl-Anthony Towns.
Other NBA Games on Tuesday
For those seeking to catch other NBA games on Peacock and NBCSN this Tuesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Portland Trail Blazers at 10 p.m.
With the NBA season unfolding on both NBC and Peacock, viewers can anticipate a variety of games, including doubleheaders on Tuesday nights and special Sunday Night Basketball broadcasts starting February 1, 2026.
