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How to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers season opener against the Toronto Raptors on TV

ben leibowitz, akron beacon journal
·4 min read

The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their 2024-25 NBA season on the road against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Broadcasts of Cavs games will look a little different this season, as Bally Sports is no more. Diamond Sports Group announced that it will be rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network as part of "a broad, long-term commercial partnership," according to reporting from USA TODAY. Terms of the naming rights agreement were not disclosed.

For Cavs fans, the channels officially known as FanDuel Sports Ohio.

Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks in the country, filed for bankruptcy in March 2023.

Cavs roster news: Pete Nance among 4 players waived by Cavaliers as start of season nears

The Cavs enter the season looking to reach the postseason for a third consecutive year. Former head coach J.B. Bickerstaff guided Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year, where the Cavs were dispatched in five games by the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics.

Replacing Bickerstaff on the sidelines this year is Kenny Atkinson, the former Golden State Warriors assistant who previously served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Cavaliers news: Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson's focus on relationships, communication is encouraging | Ulrich

The Atkinson era officially begins Wednesday. Here's how fans can tune in to the season opener and who we predict will win Game 1.

What channel is the Cavs vs Raptors game on? How to watch the season opener

Feb 10, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena . Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena . Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

While fans can no longer turn to Bally Sports, Cavs games will be televised on the rebranded FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio this year. Fans can also tune in via an NBA League Pass subscription (blackout restrictions may apply).

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

What channel is FanDuel Sports Ohio on with DirecTV?

The rebranded FanDuel Sports Network is channel 660 for DirecTV customers in Ohio.

Are Cavs games on YouTube TV? Are they on Spectrum?

The games on FanDuel Sports Ohio will be available to Spectrum cable subscribers. The channel is not available on YouTube TV.

Cavs opening night roster in Toronto: Cleveland Cavaliers set roster to open 2024-25 season. See the list

Cavs vs. Raptors prediction

  • Ryan Lewis: The Cavs will be without Max Strus, but they should have enough firepower to start the season off with a win in Kenny Atkinson’s debut. The most interesting aspect: getting a first look at Atkinson’s offense. Cavs 113, Raptors 109.

  • Nate Ulrich: No one should be the least bit surprised if the Cavs experience growing pains early in the coach Kenny Atkinson era. The successor to J.B. Bickerstaff, Atkinson is implementing his philosophies and schemes, so the Cavs will have a new style, especially on the offensive end of the floor. There will be a natural adjustment period. Plus, the Cavs are expected to be without starting small forward Max Strus (right ankle sprain) for at least the first month and a half of the season. Still, the Cavs are a better team than the Raptors. Cleveland won two of the three meetings last season. The trusty crystal ball shows Cleveland winning this one. Cavs 112, Raptors 105.

How can I listen to the Cavs season opener against the Raptors on the radio?

According to NBA.com, "All preseason, regular season and potential playoff games with play-by-play announcer Tim Alcorn and game analyst Jim Chones will be broadcast on Cavs flagship stations WTAM, Cleveland 1100 AM and 106.9 FM and across the 30-station Cavaliers AudioVerse."

Who are the Cleveland Cavs television announcers?

  • John Michael enters his sixth season as the Cavs play-by-play broadcaster.

  • Brad Daugherty will continue his duties as color analyst for Cavs games on FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio.

  • “Mr. Cavalier” Austin Carr begins his 27th season as a TV color analyst for the Cavs. Carr will host the "Cavaliers LIVE" pre- and postgame show. Carr will also join John Michael to provide insight and analysis during select Cavs games this season.

  • Serena Winters begins her fourth season as the sideline reporter for the network’s Cavs telecasts.

  • Cayleigh Griffin returns as the Cavaliers LIVE pre- and postgame show host.

  • Former Cavs guard Daniel "Booby" Gibson will join to co-host Cavaliers LIVE before and after select games this season.

What happened to Campy Russell on Cavs broadcasts?

Cleveland Cavaliers greats (from left) Jim Chones, Austin Carr, and Campy Russell pose for a photo before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in Cleveland. The three starred together at Richfield Coliseum in the 1970s.
Cleveland Cavaliers greats (from left) Jim Chones, Austin Carr, and Campy Russell pose for a photo before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in Cleveland. The three starred together at Richfield Coliseum in the 1970s.

After spending 18 seasons with the network and providing analysis on the pre- and post-game shows, Campy Russell will take a step back from the broadcast booth this year to focus his full attention on his work with Cavs alumni.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What channel is the Cavs season opener on against the Toronto Raptors?