NBA announces time, date for Cavs-Knicks Game 1 in 2023 Playoffs

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Playoff basketball is back in Cleveland for the first time in five years.

The NBA officially announced Game 1 dates for the 2023 Playoffs, including the first playoff matchup between the 4th-seeded Cavaliers and the 5th-seeded New York Knicks. The Cavs will have home court advantage for this round.

The Knicks will be in Cleveland on April 15 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Game 1 will tip off at 6 p.m. on ESPN.

#NBAPlayoffs First Round, Game 1 dates.

More information will be provided as it is finalized. pic.twitter.com/sBcjzZVLKq
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 9, 2023

The Cavs (51-31) will make their first official playoff appearance since their 2018 NBA Finals run after making the play-in tournament last year. Donovan Mitchell, who was traded to Cleveland in September, led the Cavs in scoring with 28.3 points per game in the regular season.

The Knicks (47-35) will make their second playoff appearance since 2021. Julius Randle led the Knicks in scoring with 25.1 points per game.

The Cavs lost the three of their four regular-season matchups against the Knicks.