Raptors Look to Even Series Against Cavaliers

Toronto faces an 8-point spread in Game 2 after losing the series opener

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:30am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game, with players and the court rendered in bold, overlapping geometric shapes in a rich color palette.The Raptors look to even their playoff series against the Cavaliers in a tightly contested Game 2 matchup.Cleveland Today

The Toronto Raptors (46-36) will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30) in Game 2 of their playoff series on Monday night. Cleveland won the series opener 126-113 and is favored by 8 points in the rematch. Toronto shot well in the first game, making 52.1% of its field goals and 74.3% of its free throws, but couldn't slow down the Cavaliers' offense.

Why it matters

This is a crucial game for the Raptors, who need to even the series before heading back home. Cleveland has home-court advantage, but Toronto has proven it can hang with the Cavaliers when its offense is clicking. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the hard-fought playoff series.

The details

In Game 1, the Raptors were led by RJ Barrett, who scored 24 points on 53.8% shooting and added 3 assists. As a team, Toronto shot 52.1% from the field, 74.3% from the free-throw line, and made 13 3-pointers. However, the Cavaliers shot 54.3% overall and connected on 16 of 32 attempts from beyond the arc. Cleveland also had 9 steals and 4 blocks in the win.

  • The game will be played on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • Cleveland leads the series 1-0 after winning the opener.

The players

RJ Barrett

The Raptors' leading scorer in Game 1, finishing with 24 points on 53.8% shooting and adding 3 assists.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star player, scoring 32 points on 55% shooting and dishing out 4 assists in the Game 1 win.

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What they’re saying

“We have to do a better job defensively in Game 2 to even this series up.”

— Nick Nurse, Raptors Head Coach

What’s next

The series will shift to Toronto for Game 3 on Wednesday, April 22nd.

The takeaway

This is a pivotal Game 2 for the Raptors, who need to prove they can match the Cavaliers' offensive firepower and even the series before heading home. A win would give Toronto momentum, while a loss would put them in a deep hole against the higher-seeded Cavaliers.