How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Game 1

Something that’s been rattling around my brain the last few days is how different this playoff game will be than the last time the Cavs were there.

Back in 2017-18, in the last game of that NBA Finals series, it felt over. Those game were outgunned and outmanned against the Golden State Warriors. They lost the Finals at home and, with the game locked up, LeBron James checked to a standing ovation. It felt like a goodbye and a thank you before he hit free agency.

This will be different. This will be joyous. This will be raucous. This will be hopeful. This Cavs team — with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland and Evan Mobley — is on the upswing. This is going to be fun.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse — Cleveland, Ohio

When: 6 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Spread: Cavs -5.5 (via Draft Kings)

Cavs’ expected starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Cavs’ injury report: Isaac Okoro (QUESTIONABLE - knee), Dylan Windler (OUT - left foot sprain)

Knicks expected starting lineup: Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, R.J. Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson

Knicks injury report: Julius Randle (QUESTIONABLE - left knee), Isaiah Roby (OUT - ankle)