Cleveland attempts to extend their five-game road winning streak against the Thunder
Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference with a 43-14 record
The Thunder won the previous matchup 136-104 on January 19
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries for this game
Cleveland has been exceptional in their last 10 games with a 9-1 record
📖 Full Retelling
The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, February 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. EST in Oklahoma City, aiming to extend their impressive five-game road winning streak against the Western Conference leaders. The Cavaliers enter this matchup with a solid 36-21 record, sitting third in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder boast the best record in the West at 43-14. This marks the second encounter between the teams this season, with Oklahoma City dominating their previous meeting 136-104 back on January 19. Cleveland has been particularly strong on the road this season with a 17-10 record, and they'll need that performance to continue against a Thunder team that has gone 23-7 in home games. The Cavaliers are coming off a remarkable 9-1 stretch in their last 10 games, averaging 122.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 51.5% from the field. In contrast, the Thunder have gone 6-4 in their last 10, averaging 112.9 points per game. Both teams will be missing key players, with Cleveland's Evan Mobley and Max Strus sidelined, while Oklahoma City is without Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Thomas Sorber for the season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City. The Thunder compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Paycom Center.
National Basketball Association team in Cleveland, Ohio
The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team began play as an expansion team in 1970,...
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional basketball...
The Cleveland Cavaliers are chasing a rare five-game road winning streak that could boost their standing in the Eastern Conference, while the Oklahoma City Thunder hold a dominant home record that could counter Cleveland's momentum. This matchup pits a high-scoring Cavaliers team against a defensively strong Thunder squad, making the game a key indicator of playoff readiness.
Context & Background
Cleveland has won five consecutive games on the road, improving their overall road record to 17-10
The Thunder are 23-7 at home and rank fifth in the league for defensive rebounds per game
Key performers include James Harden for Cleveland and Chet Holmgren for Oklahoma City
What Happens Next
If Cleveland extends its road streak, it could climb the Eastern Conference standings and secure a better playoff seed. Conversely, a Thunder victory would reinforce their home dominance and keep them firmly in first place in the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games has Cleveland won on the road this season?
Cleveland has won 17 of 27 road games, giving them a 17-10 record.
Who leads the Thunder in defensive rebounds per game?
Chet Holmgren averages 6.8 defensive rebounds per game, the highest on the team.
What injuries are affecting the Thunder?
The Thunder are missing Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Thomas Sorber for the season.
When and where is the game scheduled?
The game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. EST in Oklahoma City.
Original Source
Cleveland puts road win streak on the line against Oklahoma City Cleveland heads into a matchup against Oklahoma City after winning five consecutive road games By The Associated Press February 21, 2026, 2:04 AM Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Sunday, 1 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland hits the road against Oklahoma City looking to prolong its five-game road winning streak. The Thunder have gone 23-7 in home games. Oklahoma City ranks fifth in the league with 34.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Chet Holmgren averaging 6.8. The Cavaliers are 17-10 in road games. Cleveland is ninth in the Eastern Conference giving up just 115.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Thunder make 48.6% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.6 percentage points higher than the Cavaliers have allowed to their opponents (46.0%). The Cavaliers average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 more makes per game than the Thunder allow. The teams meet for the second time this season. The Thunder won 136-104 in the last matchup on Jan. 19. TOP PERFORMERS: Holmgren is averaging 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 14.5 points over the last 10 games. James Harden is scoring 24.7 points per game and averaging 4.8 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 20, 4:51 PM The mysterious Nancy Guthrie abduction: A full timeline Feb 19, 8:20 AM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 6-4, averaging 112.9 points, 44.4 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.4 points per game. Cavaliers: 9-1, ...
