The Toronto Raptors aim to replicate their regular-season success against a retooled Cleveland Cavaliers team.
The Toronto Raptors open the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference first round, a best-of-seven series beginning Saturday, April 18, at Rocket Arena. Seeded fifth with a 46-36 record, Toronto returns to postseason play for the first time since 2022. The fourth-seeded Cavaliers, who enter this matchup with a 27-19 home record (10th best in the NBA), finished 52-30 and hold home-court advantage,
Darko Rajakovic, in his third season, guided the Raptors to their first playoff berth under his watch and became the first European-born head coach to reach the NBA postseason. The late-season stretch, which culminated in a 136-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on the final day, locked the fifth seed via tiebreaker over the Atlanta Hawks. Toronto’s offense ranked middle of the pack at 114.6 points per game, while its defense improved markedly after the All-Star break.
Toronto’s Regular-Season Dominance vs. Cleveland’s Midseason Overhaul
Toronto swept the three-game regular-season series against Cleveland, winning all three matchups before the Cavaliers acquired James Harden and DeAndre Hunter.
On Oct. 31, Toronto won 112-101 on the road behind 20 points each from Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Jamison Battle, while Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 29. The Raptors prevailed 126-113 in Cleveland on Nov. 13 as Scottie Barnes scored 28. During the final regular season matchup between the two teams, Ingram dropped 37 in a 110-99 victory in Toronto as the Raptors limited Donovan Mitchell to only 17 points.
Those results gave Toronto a 3-0 edge, but Cleveland’s record improved sharply afterward as Harden integrated into the backcourt alongside Mitchell. The Cavaliers posted one of the league’s top offenses post-trade, averaging 119.5 points per game for the season while ranking high in efficiency.
Cleveland’s roster now features elite scoring punch from Mitchell and Harden, interior presence from Mobley, and defensive versatility. Toronto counters with Barnes’ two-way impact, Ingram’s mid-range creation, Barrett’s physical wing play and Immanuel Quickley’s perimeter shooting. The Raptors’ edge lies in pace and second-chance opportunities; they outrebounded opponents consistently in the final month.
Cleveland enters as the clear favorite, boasting superior depth and playoff experience across its core. Yet Toronto’s regular-season sweep demonstrates it can exploit Cleveland’s occasional defensive lapses when the pace tilts its way.
If the Raptors manage to steal a road win early, the series could tilt in their favor; otherwise, the Cavaliers’ home advantage could likely decide this matchup in five or six games.