The No. 5 Toronto Raptors will battle the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Saturday. Toronto earned the right to face Cleveland after moving past Atlanta on the last day of the regular season. The Raptors, who have not won a playoff series since 2020, hope to open their 2026 postseason campaign with a road win.
Meanwhile, the Cavs will continue their all-in approach to winning the championship. After exiting the 2025 playoffs in the second round last season, Donovan Mitchell and Co. look to at least return to that stage. Cleveland has the edge in playoff experience, an advantage it will try to pounce on to start the series.
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds
Moneyline: Raptors (+280) vs. Cavaliers (-350)
Odds: Raptors (+8.5 -110) vs. Cavaliers (-110)
Total (O/U): Raptors (o219.5 -113) vs. Cavaliers (219.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Reports
Raptors Injury Report
The Raptors’ biggest uncertainty heading into the series is Immanuel Quickley’s status. Quickley, dealing with a right hamstring strain, is questionable for Sunday’s showdown.
If the cat-quick point guard is out, expect Jamal Shead to get a bump in minutes.
Cavaliers Injury Report
Thomas Bryant is the only name on the Cavs’ injury report. He is out due to a left calf strain.
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups
Raptors
PG: Immanuel Quickley | SG: RJ Barrett | SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Scottie Barnes | C: Jakob Poeltl
Cavaliers
PG: James Harden | SG: Donovan Mitchell | SF: Dean Wade | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Raptors blanked the Cavaliers 3-0 in the regular season, a result that could have no bearing in the series. Darius Garland, traded to the LA Clippers in February, was still the Cavs’ starting point guard. Jarrett Allen also played just two of those three encounters.
James Harden’s addition could be particularly crucial for Cleveland, which struggled with half-court sets in three straight postseasons. The former MVP has the playmaking experience and scoring DNA to make a significant difference.
With Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley slowed down by a hamstring strain, Cleveland seemingly has the clear advantage. Expect the Cavaliers to dominate Game 1 and beat the Raptors by a margin that beats the -8.5 spread.
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