Raptors vs. Cavaliers: Full First Round 2026 Playoff Schedule and Series Preview

• The Raptors won all three regular-season matchups against the Cavs, with each victory coming by double digits. However, all three of those wins occurred before Cleveland's blockbuster acquisition of James Harden in February. Donovan Mitchell also sat out of their Oct. 31 meeting.
• The Cavaliers' new look features the explosive scoring of Mitchell paired with the elite playmaking of Harden. Mitchell averaged 24 points per game against the Raptors this season, but this will be Toronto's first time facing them as a duo in a seven-game series.
• Raptors starting point guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) is currently listed as day-to-day with a hamstring injury but could be ready in time for Game 1. The Cavaliers are managing minor injuries to rotation players Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (toe).
• The series features a clash of styles between the Raptors' versatile wing-heavy lineup led by Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, and the Cavs' traditional interior defense featuring Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Why Raptors Will Lose

If the Raptors were to lose the series, it would be due to the fact that the Cavs simply have too much star power and playoff experience against a green Toronto squad.

The Raptors don't have a ton of playoff experience and have not been to the postseason as a team since 2022. This might be the growing pains and building blocks they have to go through in order to reach the next step.

Why Raptors Will Win

The Raptors have been a thorn in the Cavs' side all season long, and they might have the tools and ingredients to pull off an upset.

The pressure will be on the Cavs to defend home court early in the series, but if the Raptors can find a way to get a split at Rocket Arena over the course of the first two games, Toronto can seize control and get in the driver's seat.

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