The Knicks appeared destined to land Donovan Mitchell when the Jazz started rebuilding during the offseason. It was just a matter of how much New York was willing to give up.
But the Knicks wouldn't give up enough to entice Utah, and the Jazz sent him to Cleveland in exchange for a massive package of picks and three young players.
Now, Mitchell and the Cavaliers will face off against the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
In his first season in Cleveland, Mitchell has lived up to the hype. He has led the team with 28.3 points per game, giving the league's No. 1 defense a dominant scoring threat with the ability to take over games.
The Knicks will pose a challenge to Cleveland. New York features two players averaging more than 20 points per game in Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
Looking to catch the first game of the series? Here's what you need to know.
MORE: Ranking the NBA's best 30 players entering the playoffs
What channel is Cavaliers vs. Knicks on?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling TV, ESPN+
Basketball fans will be able to find Saturday's contest between the Cavaliers and Knicks on ESPN. There will also be options to stream the game on ESPN+ or with Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Cavaliers vs. Knicks start time
- Date: Saturday, April 15
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
Saturday's game will start at 6 p.m. ET. It will be played at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks series schedule, TV channels
Game 1 of the seven-game series between the Cavaliers and Knicks will take place on Saturday, April 15. The series will shift to New York for Game 3 and return to Cleveland for Game 5 if necessary.
Below is a full schedule for the Cavaliers vs. Knicks playoff series.
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 15 | Game 1 | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | 6 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 18 | Game 2 | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 21 | Game 3 | Madison Square Garden | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| April 23 | Game 4 | Madison Square Garden | 1 p.m. | ABC |
| April 26 | Game 5* | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | TBD | TBD |
| April 28 | Game 6* | Madison Square Garden | TBD | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
