March 8, 2026, 12:10 p.m. ET
CLEVELAND — The Detroit Pistons own the East’s best record for the time being, but it’s the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics who are the two betting favorites to win the conference head to the Finals this spring. That potential playoff matchup adds another chapter, as the Celtics travel to Cleveland to play the Cavs March 8 at Rocket Arena.
And this one’s a day game, combined with Daylight Savings Time. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The Celtics enter the March 8 matchup 42-21 and 3.5 games behind the Pistons for the East’s top seed. The Cavs enter 39-24 and holding the No. 4 seed.
Follow along here for live score analysis, highlights and updates from the Cavs-Celtics game March 8. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
Below is some pregame information.
Cavs injury report vs Boston Celtics
The Cavs have an extensive injury report for this one, though a few names on the list could be active.
Center Jarrett Allen has been ruled out with right knee tendonitis. Guard/forward Max Strus remains out and has yet to make his season debut following offseason foot surgery. Tyrese Proctor is sidelined with a quad strain.
James Harden (thumb fracture) and Keon Ellis (index finger fracture) are both available. Donovan Mitchell (groin strain) and Dean Wade (ankle sprain) are both probable.
The Celtics will be without Nikola Vucevic (finger fracture). Baylor Scheierman (thumb fracture) is listed as available.
Cleveland Cavaliers game on TV. How can I watch, stream and listen to Cavs vs Celtics tonight?
The March 8 game between the Cavs and Celtics will be televised nationally by ABC. The local radio broadcast can be heard via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
Ryan Lewis covers the Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
