Cavaliers Secure 4th Seed: Who's Their First-Round Opponent?

The Cavs' playoff path is still uncertain as the regular season winds down.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in the team colors of the Cavaliers, Hawks, Raptors, and Magic, conveying the strategic uncertainty of the Cavaliers' potential first-round matchup.The unpredictable final stretch of the NBA regular season leaves the Cavaliers' playoff path uncertain, with multiple teams vying for the chance to face them in the first round.Today in Miami

The Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, but their first-round opponent remains undecided. With the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Orlando Magic all vying for the 5th seed, the Cavs' path forward will be determined by the outcomes of the final regular season games.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' potential first-round matchup has major implications for their playoff run. Facing a familiar foe like the Hawks would provide a different strategic challenge than taking on an upstart team like the Raptors or Magic. The final regular season results will shape the Cavs' path to the NBA Finals.

The details

If the Hawks win their final game against the Miami Heat, they will lock in the 5th seed and face the Cavaliers in the first round. However, a Hawks loss opens the door for the Raptors or Magic to claim the 5th spot, creating an intriguing scenario where the Cavs' opponent could be decided by regular season head-to-head records or division winner advantages.

  • The Cavaliers have secured the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
  • The Hawks, Raptors, and Magic are all still in contention for the 5th seed.
  • The Cavaliers' first-round opponent will be determined by the outcomes of the final regular season games on Sunday.

The players

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA team based in Cleveland, Ohio that has clinched the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia that is currently in contention for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto Raptors

An NBA team based in Toronto, Ontario that is currently in contention for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando Magic

An NBA team based in Orlando, Florida that is currently in contention for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The outcomes of the final regular season games on Sunday will determine the Cavaliers' first-round playoff opponent.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding the Cavaliers' first-round matchup adds an exciting layer of drama to the start of the NBA playoffs. The final regular season results will shape the Cavs' path forward and provide an early indication of their chances for a deep postseason run.