INDEPENDENCE — Cleveland sports fans and the family of Jaylon and Jordyn Tyson have something in common on Thursday, April 23.
The Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors are scheduled to tip off Game 3 of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 8 p.m. — the same time the 2026 NFL Draft is slated to begin.
Advertisement
Jaylon Tyson is a second-year Cavs wing who will be in Toronto trying to help Cleveland extend its series lead to 3-0. His younger brother, Jordyn, is a wide receiver who’s expected to be drafted by an NFL franchise in the first round out of Arizona State.
Cavaliers column: Cavs guards Donovan Mitchell, James Harden create instant playoff chemistry | Opinion
If you feel as if you’re being pulled in different directions amid the scheduling conflict, just imagine how the Tyson family is dealing with the conundrum.
“It’s a big game for us,” Jaylon Tyson said. “I’m super grateful that he’s going to be able to share this day. As soon as the game’s over, I’ll be able to celebrate with him, but I’ve got a task at hand that I’ve got to handle.”
Advertisement
Coach Kenny Atkinson, who has seven brothers, said the Cavs will ensure Jaylon Tyson is told during Game 3 which NFL team drafts Jordyn Tyson.
“I know it’s playoffs, but that’s your family and your brother, so we’re going to get that to him,” Atkinson said April 22 after practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Cleveland Cavaliers second-year player Jaylon Tyson (right) and his NFL prospect brother Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver for Arizona State football.
Jordyn Tyson ‘would love’ to be picked by Cleveland Browns in NFL draft
Jordyn Tyson would love to be drafted by the Browns, who have two first-round picks (Nos. 6 and 24 overall), because he would join Jaylon Tyson in Northeast Ohio.
“He would love to be here [in Cleveland playing for the Browns],” Jaylon Tyson said in February. “I know that, but wherever he goes, he’s excited for the opportunity. I feel like he’s going to take advantage of the opportunity as soon as he gets it.”
Advertisement
Cavs playoffs: Evan Mobley has plenty to prove with Cleveland Cavaliers
Two years ago, the Cavs drafted Jaylon Tyson in the first round (No. 20 overall). The Tyson brothers have already thought about potential living arrangements if they were both to play for Cleveland teams.
“Oh, he’ll be buying the house and he’s gonna get the big room because that’s big bro,” Jordyn Tyson said in February during the NFL Scouting Combine. “But, shoot, that’d be a blessing if it happens. And, shoot, I’m cool with whatever if I go there.”
Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has a playoff prediction about Cavs wing Jaylon Tyson
Through two Cavs playoff games this year, Jaylon Tyson is averaging 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1 assist and 14.7 minutes off the bench. He picked up four fouls in Game 1 and three fouls in Game 2.
Advertisement
“When the ref’s sitting right there watching me, [I need to be] a little more disciplined,” Jaylon Tyson said. “It’s all a learning experience for me, and I’ll be better.”
Not only is Atkinson sticking with Jaylon Tyson as a member of the rotation, but the Cavs coach is also predicting Tyson has a breakout postseason game on the horizon. Atkinson said he gives Tyson “a B-plus” for his Game 2 performance “in what we’re asking him to do.” Atkinson said he told Tyson on April 22 his big game is coming. In the 2025-26 regular season, Tyson averaged 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 26.9 minutes.
“He’s up next. … It’s going to be Jaylon Tyson. I can almost guarantee that,” Atkinson said. “He’s going to have one of those games where he’s converting that offensive rebound. He’s getting in the half roll because they’re playing smaller and we need him in a half roll. He’ll have a big game. It’s just a matter of time. It’s just really talking to these guys individually about the patience needed until we get there. But I’m loving what I’m seeing from him right now.”
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham, center, talks with former Arizona State basketball guard James Harden, left, and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson during a game Jan. 31, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.
NFL mock draft. Jordyn Tyson predictions
Where does Atkinson’s mock draft have Jordyn Tyson going?
Advertisement
“[Jaylon Tyson has] been telling me he’s a top 10 pick. So I’m going with that — top 10. That would be awesome,” Atkinson said.
Jaylon Tyson is biased, but he firmly believes Jordyn Tyson is the best wide receiver in the 2026 draft class.
“Everybody knows that. I make it very clear,” Jaylon Tyson said. “I have the utmost confidence that he’s going to be a great player. I’m super happy for him.”
A Cavs victory in Game 3 would also bring the Tyson brothers joy. Their family’s April 23 scheduling conflict is the quintessential good problem to have.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jaylon Tyson to play Cavs vs Raptors Game 3 with brother in NFL draft
Source link
See more https://theglobaltrack.com/
