The NBA schedule on February 22, 2026 features a high-profile cross-conference clash as the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. This matchup brings together two of the league’s top teams, but their recent momentum is moving in different directions. Cleveland entered the game riding a strong winning streak and playing some of its best basketball after the All-Star break, while Oklahoma City, despite leading the Western Conference, has been dealing with key injuries and inconsistent recent form.
The Cavaliers’ balanced offense, improved playmaking, and strong road performances have made them one of the most reliable teams lately. On the other hand, the Thunder’s lineup issues, especially the absence of their primary creators, have affected their scoring rhythm. This game was expected to be close, but recent trends and team health gave Cleveland a slight edge.
Match Details
| Match | Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|
| Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Time | 1:00 PM ET (11:30 PM IST) |
| Venue | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City |
| TV | ABC |
| Streaming | NBA League Pass |
Latest Standings
| Team | Record | Conference Rank | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | 37–21 | 3rd in East | Won 9 straight |
| Thunder | 43–15 | 1st in West | Lost last game |
Cleveland extended its winning streak to nine games, showing strong form on both ends of the floor. Oklahoma City remains at the top of the West but suffered a setback at home.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Out (abdomen)
- Jalen Williams – Out (hamstring)
- Alex Caruso – Out (ankle)
- Ajay Mitchell – Out
- Thomas Sorber – Out for season
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Max Strus – Out
- Nae’Qwan Tomlin – Game-time decision
The absence of SGA and Jalen Williams significantly reduced OKC’s scoring and perimeter defense, which played a major role in the matchup.
Team Performance Snapshot
| Category | Cavaliers | Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 119.8 | 119.4 |
| Points Allowed | 115.3 | 107.6 |
| Field Goal % | 47.7% | 48.6% |
| Recent Form (Last 10) | 9–1 | 6–4 |
Cleveland’s offense has been among the best in the league recently, while Oklahoma City still holds the top defensive numbers but has struggled offensively without its stars.
Also see: Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets to Record 157-103 Win vs Trail Blazers
Key Players to Watch
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell: 28.8 PPG, team’s main scorer and leader
- James Harden: 24.7 PPG, 8.2 APG, controlling the offense and improving team flow
- Evan Mobley: 17.7 PPG, strong defense and rebounding
- Jarrett Allen: Interior defense and paint presence
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Chet Holmgren: Around 18 PPG, key defensive anchor
- Aaron Wiggins: Providing scoring support
- Luguentz Dort: Defensive specialist and perimeter shooter
Without their main playmakers, OKC relied heavily on Holmgren and role players to keep the game competitive.
Head-to-Head (Recent)
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Feb 22, 2026 | Cavaliers won |
| Jan 19, 2026 | Thunder won 136–104 |
The Thunder had dominated recent meetings, but Cleveland bounced back strongly in this contest.
Betting Odds & Trends
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Cavaliers -3.5 (approx.) |
| Moneyline | Cavaliers slight favorites |
| Over/Under | Around 224–226 points |
Key Trends
- Cavaliers have won 14 of their last 16 moneyline games
- Cleveland is on a long winning streak
- Thunder offense declines significantly without SGA and Williams
Best Picks & Prediction
Cleveland entered this game as the more complete and healthier team. Their recent winning momentum, strong guard play from Mitchell and Harden, and deeper rotation gave them the advantage. Oklahoma City’s defense kept the game competitive, but missing primary scorers limited their offensive ceiling.
Best Pick: Cavaliers Moneyline
Lean: Under 224.5 points
Projected Score: Cavaliers 116 – Thunder 109
This matchup showed why Cleveland is emerging as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. The team’s balance, experience, and strong backcourt leadership have made them one of the hottest teams in the league. For Oklahoma City, the priority will be getting healthy before the playoff push. Despite the loss, the Thunder remain one of the strongest teams in the West.
With the Cavaliers extending their winning streak to nine games, their post-All-Star surge has become one of the biggest storylines in the NBA right now.
