How to Watch Cavaliers vs. Hawks on DIRECTV: Tip-Off Time, NBA TV Channel and Local TV
The Cleveland Cavaliers play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and the game airs nationally on NBA TV, DIRECTV channel 216.
For Cleveland local telecasts and eligibility, see Cavaliers on channel 660. Check this matchup's national and local listings separately.
The official DIRECTV–DAZN local NBA deal adds the Cavaliers feed on 660 for eligible CHOICE-or-higher customers in the home territory. State Farm Arena lists the October 29 tip-off at 8 p.m. ET.
NBA TV comes with DIRECTV CHOICE and higher packages, so most DIRECTV customers can turn to 216 at tip-off. In Atlanta, the Hawks' broadcast is free over the air on Atlanta News First and Peachtree TV, and in Cleveland the Cavaliers' broadcast is on WUAB, the Rock Entertainment Sports Network and DAZN. Here's every way to watch and what to know before the game.
Cavaliers vs. Hawks: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 29, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8 p.m. ET |
| National TV | NBA TV |
| DIRECTV channel | NBA TV, channel 216 (CHOICE and higher) |
| Local TV | Atlanta News First (WANF) and Peachtree TV (WPCH) for the Hawks; WUAB, Rock Entertainment Sports Network and DAZN for the Cavaliers |
| Arena | State Farm Arena, Atlanta |
| Game type | Regular season; the second night of a back-to-back for both teams |
What channel is Cavaliers vs. Hawks on DIRECTV?
Cavaliers-Hawks is on NBA TV, channel 216, subject to the applicable local-market and blackout rules. NBA TV is included with DIRECTV CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER, and with the MySports Genre Pack. It isn't part of ENTERTAINMENT, so customers on that package won't see the game on 216 unless they upgrade.
Here's how to tune in:
- On DIRECTV satellite or DIRECTV via internet: press Guide and go to channel 216, or search "Cavaliers" or "Hawks" on game night.
- On a DIRECTV Gemini device: NBA TV is in the live guide on 216 with any package that includes it.
- On the go: sign in to the DIRECTV app on a phone or tablet to stream NBA TV where your package allows it.
It's the only national game that Thursday, so 216 is the channel to save. The rest of the week's national schedule is in our NBA on DIRECTV guide.
Is Cavaliers vs. Hawks on local TV?
Yes, in each team's home market. The Hawks moved their local games to free over-the-air stations this season after FanDuel Sports Network shut down, and this one is on Atlanta News First (WANF) and Peachtree TV (WPCH) in Atlanta, with Gray Media partner stations around Georgia. Those are local stations, so they come with DIRECTV packages that include Atlanta-area local channels where they're carried.
In Cleveland, the Cavaliers' broadcast is on WUAB, along with the Rock Entertainment Sports Network. DAZN, the Cavaliers' exclusive local streaming home, carries it too with its own subscription. The Cavaliers' local DAZN feed is now DIRECTV channel 660 with an eligible CHOICE-or-higher package inside the team's home territory. Outside the two markets, check NBA TV on 216 and the game’s blackout restrictions before subscribing.
Can I watch Cavaliers vs. Hawks on NBA League Pass?
League Pass is built for out-of-market local games, so it's a good add-on for Cavaliers or Hawks fans who live outside their team's region on nights without national TV, like Heat at Hawks on Wednesday, Oct. 28. For this game, NBA TV on channel 216 is the simplest way to watch on DIRECTV. If you want a team broadcast through League Pass, check the game page in the NBA app on game day. See our NBA League Pass plans and prices guide for tiers.
Cavaliers vs. Hawks: where to watch at a glance
| Option | How it works with DIRECTV | Carries this game? |
|---|---|---|
| NBA TV (216) | DIRECTV channel, CHOICE and higher plus MySports | Check the game feed and blackout rules for your address |
| Atlanta News First and Peachtree TV | Free local stations, on DIRECTV local channels in the Atlanta market | Yes, Hawks' home market |
| WUAB and Rock Entertainment Sports Network | Cavaliers' local TV partners in Cleveland | Yes, Cavaliers' home market |
| DAZN | DIRECTV 660 with eligible CHOICE+ package in the Cavaliers home territory, or separate DAZN access | Yes, Cavaliers' region only |
| ESPN (206), local NBC, Peacock, Prime Video | DIRECTV channels or streaming apps | No |
What to know before tip-off
- Back-to-backs on both sides: the Cavaliers host Washington and the Hawks host Miami on Wednesday, Oct. 28, so both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back.
- Check availability on game day: injury reports come out the afternoon before and the day of the game.
Cavaliers and Hawks on national TV: opening weeks
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu., Oct. 22 | Cavaliers at 76ers (final: 76ers 114, Cavaliers 106) | 8 p.m. | ESPN (206) |
| Thu., Oct. 29 | Cavaliers at Hawks | 8 p.m. | NBA TV (216) |
| Mon., Nov. 2 | Thunder at Cavaliers | 8 p.m. | Peacock and NBCSN |
| Fri., Nov. 6 | 76ers at Cavaliers | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video (app) |
| Sat., Nov. 7 | Knicks at Cavaliers | 8 p.m. | NBA TV (216) |
Peacock and Prime Video games stream in those apps, which need their own subscriptions and run on DIRECTV Gemini devices. Team-by-team local channels, League Pass details and the full national schedule are in our guide to watching the NBA on DIRECTV.
Which DIRECTV package is best for Cavaliers and Hawks fans?
- ENTERTAINMENT: includes ESPN (206) and ESPN2 (209) for national ESPN games, plus local channels where available, including the Hawks' broadcast stations in Atlanta. It doesn't include NBA TV.
- CHOICE: adds NBA TV (216) for games like this one and Knicks at Cavaliers on Nov. 7, plus regional sports networks where DIRECTV carries them.
- MySports Genre Pack: a sports-focused streaming option with ESPN, NBA TV and local channels where available.
Need NBA TV before Thursday? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Cavaliers vs. Hawks on October 29?
Tip-off is 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
What channel is Cavaliers vs. Hawks on DIRECTV?
NBA TV, channel 216, which comes with DIRECTV CHOICE and higher packages and with MySports. In Atlanta it's also on Atlanta News First and Peachtree TV, and in Cleveland it's on WUAB and the Rock Entertainment Sports Network.
Is Cavaliers vs. Hawks on ESPN?
No. It's an NBA TV game. ESPN's games that week are 76ers at Pacers and Thunder at Mavericks on Wednesday, Oct. 28, both on channel 206.
Can I watch Cavaliers vs. Hawks for free over the air?
In the Atlanta market, yes. The Hawks' broadcast is on Atlanta News First and Peachtree TV, which are free local stations. Everywhere else, watch on NBA TV, channel 216.
Where can I stream the Cavaliers' local broadcast?
DAZN is the Cavaliers' exclusive local streaming home in their region, with its own subscription. Outside Cleveland's region, stream NBA TV in the DIRECTV app if your package includes it.
Questions about getting NBA TV or your local channels on DIRECTV? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 27, 2026. Tip times, TV assignments and broadcast plans are set by the NBA, its teams and their TV partners and may change. Player availability is often announced close to tip-off. Local channel availability, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. NBA, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, ESPN, NBC, NBCSN, Peacock, Prime Video, DAZN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.