Cavaliers 1st Game Of The Season: How To Watch, Cheer On The Team

CLEVELAND — For the second time in franchise history, the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to debut after losing the world's best basketball player in the off-season — LeBron James. This time, there's reason for optimism.

For one, the cupboard is not quite as bare as it was when James left in 2010. The Cavaliers are not going to be represented on the court by a washed up Antawn Jamison and Boobie Gibson. Instead, All-Star forward Kevin Love remains in Northeast Ohio and will be joined by first round pick and point guard Collin Sexton.

The team also has depth this year, with Rodney Hood, Cedi Osman, Jordan Clarkson, Kyle Korver and George Hill set to man the wings; and Larry Nance Jr., Ante Zizic, and Tristan Thompson taking minutes in the post. Cleveland seems younger than it has in ages.

Still, there will be a gaping hole blown into Cleveland's offense and defense. Squint and you'll be able to see the outline of where No. 23 might fit.

James continued his unparalleled streak of dominance last year, his age 33 season. He put up MVP numbers and dragged Cleveland, again, to the NBA Finals. Again, the team was knocked off by the Golden State Warriors. Most fans knew the defeat likely precipitated a change for James' career.

Cleveland will almost certainly be pushed to the outskirts of playoff contention. After years of being the prohibitive favorite in the Eastern Conference, the loss of James knocks the Cavaliers closer to the 8th seed than the 1st seed. One of the teams that is angling to assume the throne of eastern dominance will test the new Cavaliers out early in the season.

The Toronto Raptors, led by a returning Kawhi Leonard, will get the first crack at Cleveland. The two teams will play in Toronto on Wednesday night.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors

When: October 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Toronto

How to Watch: Fox Sports Ohio

What to Look For: Sexton is making his first career appearance in a regular season game. Watch and see if the young Alabama product has any nerves, and see how Lue makes use of his new player. Also, watch to see how Leonard does in his first game in what feels like two years.

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