Cavaliers Face Elimination Risk as Knicks Hold Series Lead in Eastern Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers host the New York Knicks for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 21, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Cavaliers face a 1-0 series deficit after losing an overtime thriller in Game 1 on May 19, 115-104, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Game 1 featured a full availability of key players on both sides. The Cavaliers listed forward Larry Nance Jr. as questionable on the pregame injury report due to illness, but he was ultimately available to play. The Knicks listed forward OG Anunoby as probable with a right hamstring strain and he suited up for the contest.

No official injury report or starting lineup for Game 2 had been released as of the morning of the game, leaving some uncertainty around potential adjustments by either team. Cleveland will need to address its defensive schemes after allowing 115 points on its home floor.

The series schedule, as reported by Sporting News, shows the next two games shifting to Madison Square Garden in New York if the series extends that far. The Cavaliers must win Game 2 to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole before the series moves.

The game tips at 8 p.m. ET tonight. Tip-off and the final result will determine whether the Cavaliers can tie the series or face a steep climb in New York.