The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on Saturday afternoon to kick off the first round of the 2026 Eastern Conference Playoffs. This #4 vs. #5 seed matchup features the Cavaliers’ star-studded backcourt and a Raptors squad that dominated the regular-season series with length and transition play.
Cleveland enters the postseason as the 4th seed with a 52–30 record. The Cavaliers have been one of the league’s most consistent teams. With the defense led by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Cleveland aims to use home-court advantage to snap a three-game losing streak against Toronto.
The Raptors arrive as the 5th seed at 46–36, entering the playoffs as a dark horse after sweeping the season series against the Cavs. They are led by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. However, the health of starting point guard Immanuel Quickley remains a significant concern as they head into Game 1.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers: Live Streaming And Game Info
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT)
- Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
- National Broadcast: NBA TV
- Live Streaming: NBA League Pass, Fubo (Free Trial available)
Where to Watch Raptors vs. Cavaliers For Free?
Fans can watch Raptors vs. Cavaliers on NBA League Pass, Amazon Prime (an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial), or catch it for free here.
Where To Watch Raptors vs. Cavaliers Across The Globe
United States
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Channel: NBA TV, NBA League Pass
Canada
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Channel: Sportsnet, TSN, NBA League Pass
United Kingdom
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 6:00 PM GMT
- Channel: TNT Sports, NBA League Pass
Australia
- Date/Time: April 19, 2026, 3:00 AM AEST
- Channel: ESPN, NBA League Pass
Germany
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 7:00 PM CET
- Channel: DAZN, NBA League Pass
France
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 7:00 PM CET
- Channel: beIN Sports, NBA League Pass
Spain
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 7:00 PM CET
- Channel: Movistar+, NBA League Pass
Italy
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 7:00 PM CET
- Channel: Sky Italia, NBA League Pass
India
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 10:30 PM IST
- Channel: Amazon Prime Video, NBA League Pass
Brazil
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 2:00 PM BRT
- Channel: ESPN, Prime Video, NBA League Pass
Mexico
- Date/Time: April 18, 2026, 11:00 AM CST
- Channel: ESPN, Star+, NBA League Pass
Japan
- Date/Time: April 19, 2026, 2:00 AM JST
- Channel: Rakuten TV, NBA League Pass
Philippines
- Date/Time: April 19, 2026, 1:00 AM PHT
- Channel: TV5, NBA TV Philippines, NBA League Pass
Singapore
- Date/Time: April 19, 2026, 1:00 AM SGT
- Channel: StarHub, Singtel, NBA League Pass
Projected Starting Lineups
Toronto Raptors
- PG: Immanuel Quickley (if active) or Davion Mitchell
- SG: RJ Barrett
- SF: Gradey Dick
- PF: Scottie Barnes
- C: Jakob Poeltl
Cleveland Cavaliers
- PG: James Harden
- SG: Donovan Mitchell
- SF: Max Strus
- PF: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Injury Report
Toronto Raptors
- Immanuel Quickley (PG): QUESTIONABLE (Right hamstring strain)
- Scottie Barnes (PF): AVAILABLE (No injury designation)
- Jakob Poeltl (C): AVAILABLE (No injury designation)
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Thomas Bryant (C): OUT (Left calf strain)
- Max Strus (SF): PROBABLE (Returning from left hand management)
- Donovan Mitchell (SG): AVAILABLE (Cleared after minor ankle soreness)
- Jarrett Allen (C): AVAILABLE (Cleared after knee management)
Head to Head
The Toronto Raptors completely dominated the 2025–26 regular-season series, leading 3–0. Toronto secured double-digit victories in November (112–101 and 126–113) and capped the sweep with a 110–99 win on November 25. Historically, the Cavaliers lead the all-time regular-season series 60–54. They have been much more dominant in the playoffs and lead the all-time playoff series 12-2.
Prediction
While Toronto swept the regular season, the playoffs are a different gravy. The outcome of Game 1 largely depends on Immanuel Quickley’s availability. Without him, the Raptors lose their primary floor spacer. Expect a physical, low-scoring defensive battle where Cleveland’s elite rim protection eventually wears down Toronto’s transition attack.
Score Prediction: Cavaliers 108 – Raptors 102
