Here's what to follow and watch for in the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors Game 1 matchup.
The Playoffs are officially here!
The Cleveland Cavaliers will open up the postseason on Saturday as they take on the Toronto Raptors in round one. Heading into Game 1 of the best-of-seven set, here are the top storylines to follow.
Finally, The Cavaliers Are Healthy
For the first time in the entire season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have their entire expected rotation available for Game 1 against the Raptors. The only player on the injury report for the Cavs is Thomas Bryant, as he remains out with a calf injury. Other than that, the Wine and Gold are at full strength.
With the Cavaliers having their whole rotation available, it’ll be interesting to see how Kenny Atkinson creates his rotation and who ends up starting at small forward. There are so many different combinations he could go with, and Cleveland’s depth is what makes it such a dangerous team. They’re finally going to be able to show that off.
As for the Raptors, they have a mostly healthy roster, aside from Immanuel Quickley, who is questionable to play with a right hamstring strain.
The availability and health of each team is certainly something to watch in Game 1.
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a play during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesHow Will A Week Off Impact the Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers haven’t played in a full calendar week, and if you consider some of the team’s starts, such as Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, it’s been even longer than that.
Cleveland must be careful that they don’t start off too sluggish in the opening quarter. Atkinson identified Toronto’s ability to force turnovers and get out in transition as being one of his team’s biggest challenges against the Raptors.
The Cavaliers have had their fair share of slow starts this season, but that can’t happen in the playoffs. Cleveland must come out of the gate playing like it’s crunch time in the fourth quarter, or that could spell a bad setup for the rest of the game.
Evan Mobley Must Set The Tone
Donovan Mitchell has always shown in the postseason, and James Harden has experience in the spotlight, too. The outcome of this game might ultimately come down to Evan Mobley’s performance.
Mobley ended the regular season on a strong note. He averaged 17.0 points and 10.2 rebounds, while shooting 57 percent from the floor in the final month of the year.
With so much attention being on the backcourt, Mobley will be Cleveland’s next top scoring option, and he must start off strong on that end of the floor to set the tone for the rest of the series.
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