The Cleveland Cavaliers, on their road back to the top of the NBA, have relied heavily on Donovan Mitchell. He’s always been an All-Star level player but in 2025, he made All-NBA first team, which shows how far he’s come.

For the second time in as many seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers exited the playoffs in the Eastern Conference semifinals in just five games.

OG Anunoby had 24 points and 14 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored 23 points and the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 in their first game under coach Mike Brown.

From attending a game at Garfield Heights High School that year with teammates like Garland and former Cavalier Isaac Okoro, to a more recent solo appearance at Warrensville Heights to watch their game last season, Mitchell has popped around Northeast Ohio, taking in some high school hoops.

Donovan Mitchell is set to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 2025-26 season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite key absences like Darius Garland and Max Strus, Mitchell's availability and expected scoring prowess are crucial for Cleveland's road opener.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018.

Our Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions are calling for Miles McBride to make an impact as New York handles business at home in the season opener vs. Cleveland on.