Preseason NBA basketball for 2026-27 is finally upon us as the Boston Celtics make the trip to the state of Ohio to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in their home court of Rocket Arena this Thursday (Oct. 8) afternoon. The Celtics have a significantly different roster to get their bearings with than they finished the 2025-26 NBA regular season with, so be on the look out for a lot of new faces – and familiar ones in new roles.
The Cavs are significantly different as well with a few key additions and departures, so this exhibition tilt will be worth the watch even if it will tell us very little about the relevant strength of each team in a loaded Eastern Conference milieu. As much as it may not be that informative about the season ahead for either
team, hungry fans and analysts alike should welcome the return of organized NBA basketball regardless.
Records, standing, and streaks
As noted above, this will be the first game of the 2026-27 NBA preseason for the Celtics.
The Cavs will enter the tilt with a 0-0 record as well, having also gotten a later start than many teams in the league with preseason play.
Player injuries
For Boston, a clean bill of health to start their return to play (even if in a friendly context) is not a bad way to get started.
For Cleveland, only new forward Peyton Watson is listed as day-to-day with a strained hamstring.
Probable starting lineups
Boston
- Derrick White
- Baylor Scheierman
- Paul George
- Jayson Tatum
- Neemias Queta
Cleveland
- James Harden
- Donovan Mitchell
- Jaylon Tyson
- Evan Mobley
- Jarrett Allen
How to watch or stream the game
Here's when you should tune in to see the game:
- Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston
- Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (10/08)
