The Paycom Center in Oklahoma City is buzzing with anticipation as the Cleveland Cavaliers, riding a red-hot streak, clash with the injury-depleted but still dangerous Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off for this marquee NBA matchup is set for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central), with national coverage on ABC and a host of streaming options ensuring fans won’t miss a second of the action.
Both teams enter the contest with impressive records: the Cavaliers stand at 36-21, tied for third in the Eastern Conference alongside the New York Knicks, while the Thunder boast the Western Conference’s best mark at 43-14. Yet, it’s the Cavaliers who come in with the wind at their backs, winners of seven straight and 14 of their last 16 games. The recent blockbuster trade that brought 11-time All-Star and former MVP James Harden to Cleveland has injected fresh energy and firepower into a squad already brimming with talent.
Since Harden’s arrival, the Cavaliers have gone undefeated, posting a 5-0 record. Harden’s impact is evident in the stat sheet—he’s averaging 18.4 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game in his new uniform. The Beard’s playmaking has taken the pressure off Cleveland’s leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, who continues to dazzle. Mitchell is putting up a stellar 28.8 points per game, sixth-best in the league, along with 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds, shooting an efficient 48.6% from the floor.
Mitchell’s most recent performance was another showcase of his clutch gene: he poured in 32 points, including 13 in the decisive fourth quarter, as the Cavaliers edged the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 on Friday night. "Donovan keeps showing why he’s one of the league’s best closers," noted Cavaliers head coach, according to multiple outlets. Jarrett Allen, meanwhile, has flourished since Harden joined the roster, averaging 22.6 points and 11.2 rebounds over the past five games and leading the NBA with a blistering 76.3% field goal percentage in that span. Allen’s 25-point, 14-rebound effort against Charlotte was pivotal in securing the win.
The Cavaliers’ supporting cast has also stepped up. Sharpshooter Sam Merrill recently erupted for a career-high 32 points, draining nine three-pointers—a testament to Cleveland’s improved long-range attack. And with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley expected to return to the lineup after a brief injury layoff, the Cavs are looking as complete as they have all season. Mobley, who recently came back from a left calf strain, contributed 10 points and nine rebounds in just 19 minutes against Brooklyn, underscoring his importance on both ends of the floor.
On the other side, the Thunder’s campaign has hit a rough patch due to a slew of injuries to key players. Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined with an abdominal strain, while fellow starters Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain and left ankle sprain) are also out. The injury report doesn’t stop there—Alex Caruso (left ankle sprain) and Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) round out a lengthy list of absentees for Oklahoma City.
Still, the Thunder have proven resilient. In their most recent outing, they dispatched the Brooklyn Nets 105-86, with rookie Jared McCain stepping up for a season-high 21 points. Chet Holmgren, now tasked with carrying a heavier load, contributed 15 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein added 10 points and eight rebounds. Cason Wallace filled the stat sheet with six assists and four steals, helping the Thunder maintain their edge at home.
Holmgren is now the Thunder’s top available scorer, averaging 17.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 55.9% shooting. Ajay Mitchell, before his injury, was chipping in 14.1 points per game, and Hartenstein is averaging a near double-double with 10.6 points and 9.6 rebounds. The Thunder’s offense has remained potent, averaging 119.4 points per game—just a hair behind Cleveland’s 119.8, which ranks third in the NBA.
History favors Oklahoma City in this matchup: the Thunder dominated the first meeting of the season, routing the Cavaliers 136-104 in Cleveland on January 19, and have won five of the last six encounters between these two teams. But with so many key Thunder players sidelined, the odds have shifted in Cleveland’s favor. As of February 21, betting lines had the Cavaliers favored by 4.5 points, with a moneyline of -190 for Cleveland and +155 for Oklahoma City. The projected total points line sits at 226.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair.
Both teams will be missing several contributors beyond the headline stars. For Cleveland, Tristan Enaruna and Riley Minnix (both G-League two-way players) and Max Strus (recovering from left foot surgery) are out. For the Thunder, the aforementioned Caruso and Sorber are joined on the sidelines by Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Mitchell.
This game also marks a pivotal moment in the season’s narrative for both squads. For Cleveland, it’s a chance to prove that their recent surge is no fluke, especially against a team that’s had their number in the past. For Oklahoma City, it’s about weathering the storm of injuries and demonstrating their depth and resilience. "Shot creation has been a struggle at times for OKC without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. And while it had enough firepower to beat Brooklyn, Cleveland is a much larger challenge," wrote Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman, predicting a narrow Cavaliers victory.
Fans eager to watch can tune in on ABC or stream the game via FuboTV, DIRECTV, Sling TV, or the ESPN app. Each platform offers various free trial or discounted options, making it easier than ever to catch elite NBA action live.
With both teams boasting dynamic offenses—Cleveland’s 119.8 points per game is 12.2 more than the Thunder allow (107.6), while Oklahoma City’s 119.4 points is 4.1 more than the Cavs concede (115.3)—expect fireworks on the scoreboard. The outcome could hinge on which team’s supporting cast steps up, and whether the Thunder’s home-court advantage can offset their depleted roster.
As tip-off approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will the Cavaliers extend their winning streak and solidify their status as true contenders in the East, or will the Thunder find a way to overcome adversity and defend their home floor? One thing’s for sure: this is one NBA showdown fans won’t want to miss. The action is set, and the storylines are rich—now, it’s time to see who rises to the occasion in Oklahoma City.