How to Watch Cavs vs 76ers for Free: TV Channels and Live Stream Options

The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers for their 2026-27 NBA regular season opener. Here's how to watch.

by Will Chesanek

Oct 22, 2026

Joel Embiid after a game.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers will host Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers for their 2026-27 NBA regular-season opener on Thursday.

Both Cleveland and Philadelphia made the 2026 NBA playoffs, with Cleveland finishing No. 2 in the Central Division at 52-30 and earning the No. 4 overall seed in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia finished No. 4 in the Atlantic Division and earned the No. 7 overall seed in the NBA playoffs. Philadelphia beat the Orlando Magic in the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament to face the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia were able to upset the Celtics, winning the series in seven games before being swept by the eventual NBA Champion New York Knicks.

Cavaliers vs 76ers TV Channel and Live Stream Options

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) forward LeBron James (23).

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Time: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
TV: ESPN, Fubo
Live stream: YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV

Fans can most readily watch the game for free through the Fubo app. Fans can also sign up with DirecTV and subscribe to a free trial that can be canceled within five days.

Along with the acquisition of LeBron James in free agency, the 76ers also acquired shooting guard Jaylen Brown from Boston. Philadelphia also added guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ariel Hukporti, guard Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade. The 76ers also saw the departures of Johni Broome, center Andre Drummond, forward Paul George, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., Dalen Terry and Trendon Watford.

Cleveland did not make as many changes to its roster, adding Khalifa Diop, Mario Hezonja and Peyton Watson while seeing the departures of Keon Ellis, Larry Nance Jr., Georges Niang, Dennis Schroder, Max Strus and Dean Wade.