CLEVELAND — While the NBA wraps up the Play-In tournament through the end of this week, the playoffs for the 2025 kick off this weekend.

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured the No. 1 seat in the Eastern Conference earlier this season, meaning they will face the eighth seed as the playoffs begin.

What You Need To Know

  • While their rival is undetermined as of now; their first playoff game is this weekend

  • The first two games will take place in Cleveland
  • For away games, the Cavaliers are hosting watch parties downtown

  • East 4th St. is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

 

The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls play Wednesday night to determine who will face off against the Atlanta Hawks for the the East's eighth seed spot.

For the Cavaliers, they will play their first playoff game on Sunday, April 20 at 7 p.m. ET against the still undetermined team at home. The first two games of the series will take place in Cleveland. 

For the first round of the playoffs the Cavaliers schedule is:

  • Game 1: TBD at Cavaliers on Sunday, April 20 at 7 p.m.
  • Game 2: TBD at Cavaliers on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. 
  • Game 3: Cavaliers at TBD on Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m.
  • Game 4: Cavaliers at TBD on Monday, April 28 (time to be determined)

The playoffs work as a best-of-seven, so if a winner is not determined by the end of the first four games, the teams will continue to compete if needed.

  • Game 5: TBD at Cavaliers on Wednesday, April 30 (if necessary)
  • Game 6: Cavaliers at TBD on Friday, May 2 (if necessary)
  • Game 7: TBD at Cavaliers on Sunday, May 4 (if necessary)

With the Cavs starting at home, Rocket Arena is preparing for a "Cavalanche" as fans turn out in support for the team. Tickets to the games will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis with limited availability. 

(Spectrum News 1/Cierra Campbell)

A fan pregame, presented by Huntington on East 4th Street, less than 500 feet from the game. The pregame will have live DJ performances, appearances by entertainers and playoff prizes. Huntington Treats Truck will also offer free ice cream while supplies last. 

East 4th St. is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows fans 21-years-old to purchase beverages from local establishments and walk freely through the area.

The Cavaliers are also planning watch parties during the first and second rounds of the playoffs when the Cavaliers are playing away.

Game 3:

  • Location: Welcome to the Farm, 1054 Old River Rd.
  • Area: Flats East Bank
  • Time: 1 p.m.

Game 4:

  • Location: The Clevelander Bar & Grill, 834 Huron Rd.
  • Area: Gateway District
  • Time: To be determined