Cavaliers and Raptors Set for First-Round Playoff Clash

The two Eastern Conference rivals meet in the postseason for the second time in four years.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the intensity and competitive nature of the playoff matchup.The upcoming first-round playoff matchup between the Cavaliers and Raptors promises an intense, high-stakes battle between two Eastern Conference contenders.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, will host the No. 5 seed Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Raptors swept the season series between the two teams 3-0, setting up an intense rematch of their 2023 first-round playoff series, which Toronto won 4-2.

Why it matters

This is a rematch of a first-round playoff series from 2023, which the Raptors won 4-2. The Cavs will be looking to avenge that loss and advance deeper into the playoffs, while the Raptors aim to continue their recent dominance over Cleveland.

The details

The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 49-33 record, earning the No. 4 seed in the East. The Raptors were 47-35, securing the No. 5 seed. Toronto won all three matchups between the teams during the 2025-26 campaign.

  • The first-round series begins on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are making their 8th consecutive playoff appearance, led by All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and a talented supporting cast.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence, led by veteran forward Pascal Siakam and rising star Scottie Barnes.

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What they’re saying

“We know the Raptors have had our number lately, but this is a new season and a new opportunity. Our guys are ready to compete and show what we can do.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Cavaliers Head Coach

“The regular season is behind us now. We're focused on the playoffs and continuing our success against Cleveland. This is going to be a tough series, but we're confident in our ability to advance.”

— Nick Nurse, Raptors Head Coach

What’s next

Game 1 of the series will be played on Saturday, April 19th in Cleveland. The winner of this first-round matchup will advance to face the winner of the Bucks-Heat series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

This first-round playoff clash between the Cavaliers and Raptors promises an intense, high-stakes battle between two Eastern Conference contenders, with the Cavs looking to avenge their 2023 loss and the Raptors aiming to continue their recent dominance over Cleveland.