The Cleveland Cavaliers (34-21) return from the All-Star break tonight, 19 February 2026, looking to solidify their top-four standing in the Eastern Conference as they host the Brooklyn Nets (15-38) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The Cavaliers enter the contest as heavy favourites, sitting just 1.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for the second seed in the East. Meanwhile, the Nets are looking to find a rhythm after a difficult first half of the season, though they are coming off a morale-boosting 123-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls led by Nic Claxton’s 28-point performance.
Game Information & Odds
| Matchup | Date & Time | Venue | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | 19 February 2026 | 7:00 PM ET | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland | FanDuel Sports, Fubo TV |
Head-to-Head History
Cleveland has dominated the recent rivalry, winning seven of the last eight meetings between these two franchises. Earlier this season, on 24 October 2025, the Cavaliers secured a 131-124 victory over Brooklyn. Historically, Cleveland holds the upper hand in the regular season with 115 wins to Brooklyn’s 85.
Key Storylines for Tonight
- The Return of Evan Mobley: Cleveland is expected to integrate Evan Mobley back into the lineup tonight. Analysts are closely watching his “fit” alongside mid-season acquisition James Harden and star guard Donovan Mitchell as the Cavs prepare for a deep playoff run.
- Mitchell’s Post-Break Surge: Donovan Mitchell has historically performed well coming out of the All-Star break. With Cleveland starting a stretch of five games in seven days, his offensive production will be vital.
- Brooklyn’s Interior Defence: Nic Claxton remains the anchor for the Nets. After his dominant double-double against Chicago, he faces a much stiffer test against Cleveland’s “Twin Towers” frontcourt.
Injury Report
As of Thursday afternoon, the Cavaliers are nearing full health, with Evan Mobley likely to play. The Nets continue to monitor minor rotations following the trade deadline, but no major late-scratches have been reported beyond long-term absences.
For Canadian viewers, the game is available via NBA League Pass and select streaming platforms. With Cleveland currently boasting a four-game home winning streak, the atmosphere in Ohio is expected to be electric as the “second half” of the NBA season officially gets underway.