Cavaliers vs. Knicks live updates: 2026 NBA playoffs Game 1 start time, picks and predictions

Atlantic76ersCelticsKnicksNetsRaptorsCentralBucksBullsCavaliersPacersPistonsSoutheastHawksHeatHornetsMagicWizardsSouthwestGrizzliesMavericksPelicansRocketsSpursNorthwestJazzNuggetsThunderTimberwolvesTrail BlazersPacificClippersKingsLakersSunsWarriorsScores & ScheduleStandingsThe Bounce NewsletterNBA DraftPodcastsFantasyNBA OddsNBA PicksWhat's Next For Lakers?Hollinger's Top ProspectsVecenie's Mock DraftNBA Playoffs The New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden tonight. Cleveland is coming off a second consecutive seven-game series, defeating the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. New York is making its second ECF appearance in as many years after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. Stay tuned for the latest news, analysis, play-by-play, reaction and more from our team of reporters. Cleveland finished with a 52-30 regular season record to claim fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Most would have expected higher earlier in the season but this has not been a smooth ride. On to the playoffs, and it’s been hard work here too with both series so far needing a Game 7 victory. The good news for the Cavs is they got them done and they should be in excellent, battle-hardened rhythm come the tip tonight. Which team will win the Eastern Conference? Can either team win the NBA title? Which player is most critical to the outcome of this series? We’d love to hear from you today and throughout our NBA playoff coverage. Send your thoughts to live@theathletic.com and your perspective may be shared in our live coverage. Tonight’s Game 1 at Madison Square Garden will be broadcast on ESPN. You can also stream the contest on Fubo. Tipoff of Game 1 from New York City is set for shortly after 8 p.m. ET. That’s a 5 p.m. start on the west coast. Hello, NBA fans! Welcome to The Athletic’s live coverage of Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. While this was the ECF matchup many predicted at the beginning of the regular season, it was a winding road to reach this point for both sides. And now they are just four wins away from an NBA Finals appearance. Cleveland is coming off a second consecutive seven-game series, defeating the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night to advance. New York is making its second ECF appearance in as many years after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. Stay tuned for the latest news, analysis, play-by-play, reaction and more from our team of reporters.