Cavs Favored Over Raptors in Playoff Matchup

Cleveland's improved offense and 3-point shooting give them an edge, despite regular season struggles against Toronto.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:35am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with sharp planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff clash between the Cavaliers and Raptors, with Cleveland's improved shooting and offensive firepower giving them the edge.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Cavaliers are heavy favorites to defeat the Toronto Raptors in their first-round NBA playoff matchup, according to the team's beat reporters. Despite going 0-3 against the Raptors during the regular season, the Cavs are confident they can win the series, citing their improved offense led by James Harden and their ability to shoot well from 3-point range - an area where the Raptors struggle.

Why it matters

This playoff series represents a chance for the Cavaliers to prove they are a legitimate championship contender, after making significant improvements throughout the season. A victory over the Raptors would build momentum and confidence heading into later rounds.

The details

The Cavaliers lost all three regular season meetings with the Raptors, but those games came early in the season when the team was still figuring out its identity and dealing with injuries. With Harden now running the offense, the Cavs have become an offensive juggernaut, particularly from 3-point range - an area where the Raptors struggle. The Raptors' length and transition game could still pose problems for Cleveland, but the Cavs believe their improved shooting and overall talent will be too much for Toronto to overcome.

  • The Cavaliers and Raptors will begin their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
  • The regular season matchups between the two teams all occurred before December 2025.

The players

James Harden

The Cavaliers' star point guard, who has helped transform their offense since being acquired mid-season.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center, who has benefited from Harden's playmaking to improve his production.

Scottie Barnes

The Raptors' versatile forward, who has given Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley problems in past matchups.

Jakob Poeltl

The Raptors' starting center, known for his physicality in the paint.

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What they’re saying

“I just don't think the Cavs are losing four times in seven tries. I think Toronto is going to test the Cavs certainly more than Miami. Last year Miami was the worst playoff opponent in NBA history ... I think the Cavs, I think they're a better team. I don't think they're losing this series. And I think Toronto is going to be lucky to win a game.”

— Chris Fedor, Cavaliers beat reporter, cleveland.com

“I think if the Cavs shoot decent from 3 this can be a real quick series. The math is going to swing in their favor. The Raptors are not a good 3-point shooting team. They're not a very willing 3-point shooting team.”

— Jimmy Watkins, Columnist, cleveland.com

What’s next

The Cavaliers and Raptors will tip off their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' improved offense and 3-point shooting give them a significant advantage over the Raptors in this playoff matchup, despite Cleveland's regular season struggles against Toronto. If the Cavs can continue their hot shooting, they have a strong chance of advancing to the next round with relative ease.