The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers will play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The game is set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM. It will take place at Rocket Arena and will be broadcast on Amaz.
The Raptors recently had a strong win against the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 136 points. Scottie Barnes stood out with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Before that, they lost to the New York Knicks, scoring 95 points.
The Cavaliers also had a recent win, defeating the Washington Wizards with 130 points. Tyrese Proctor contributed 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. However, they faced a loss against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 102 points.
Cavaliers Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are led by head coach Kenny Atkinson. They play in the Eastern Conference and are part of the Central Division. The team had a strong performance in the 2026 regular season with a record of 52-30. They ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference and second in their division.
During the regular season, the Cavaliers had a home record of 27-14. They performed well on the road too, with a 25-16 record. In their last ten games, they maintained a consistent performance. The team ended the regular season with a one-game winning streak.
In recent games, the Cavaliers won against the Washington Wizards with a score of 130-117. Tyrese Proctor and Nae’Qwan Tomlin were standout players in this game. Proctor scored 22 points and had 11 rebounds, while Tomlin added 26 points and 8 rebounds.
Player stats for the season show Donovan Mitchell as a key contributor. He averaged 27.9 points per game. James Harden also played a significant role, averaging 23.6 points per game. Evan Mobley was strong in rebounds, averaging 9.0 per game. These players have been crucial to the team’s success this season.
Raptors Preview
The Toronto Raptors had a strong regular season with a record of 46 wins and 36 losses. At home, they performed well, winning 24 out of 41 games. Their away record was also solid, with 22 wins. They finished 5th in the Eastern Conference and 3rd in the Atlantic Division.
In their recent games, the Raptors had a big win against the Brooklyn Nets. They scored 136 points while holding the Nets to 101. Scottie Barnes was a standout player, contributing 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett also had strong performances.
Against the New York Knicks, the Raptors faced a setback, losing 95-112. Brandon Ingram led the team with 16 points and 6 assists. Sandro Mamukelashvili added 17 points and 8 rebounds. Despite the loss, the team showed effort on the court.
In their game against the Miami Heat, the Raptors secured a win with a score of 128-114. Brandon Ingram was impressive with 38 points and 7 assists. RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles also contributed significantly to the victory. The team showed good shooting accuracy and teamwork in this game.
Statistical Breakdown for Cavaliers vs Raptors
Key stats for the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors focus on player performances and recent results. The Cavaliers have Donovan Mitchell, who averaged 27.9 points per game in the regular season. James Harden also added 23.6 points per game. For the Raptors, Brandon Ingram is a key player, scoring 38 points in a recent game against the Miami Heat. Both teams have strong lineups, with the Cavaliers having a slight edge in their regular season record.
- Cleveland Cavaliers Regular Season Record: 52-30
- Toronto Raptors Regular Season Record: 46-36
- Donovan Mitchell’s Regular Season Average: 27.9 points per game
- James Harden’s Regular Season Average: 23.6 points per game
- Brandon Ingram’s Points Against Miami Heat: 38 points
- Cavaliers Recent Win Against Wizards: 130-117
- Raptors Recent Win Against Nets: 136-101
Betting Insights
As the game approaches, bettors are looking at key trends to make informed decisions. Both teams have shown patterns against the spread and in total points that could influence betting choices. Below are the top five trends to consider for this game.
- The away team has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
- The home team has hit the over in 3 of their last 4 games.
- The away team has gone under the total in 6 of their last 7 games.
- The home team has covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home games.
- The away team has hit the over in 2 of their last 3 away games.
Free Betting Prediction for Cavaliers vs Raptors
The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown strong performance throughout the season. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden leading the scoring, they have a solid offensive lineup. Their recent win against the Wizards highlights their ability to score high, especially at home. The Cavaliers’ home record and recent form suggest they are in a good position for this game.
The Toronto Raptors have also had a good season, but their recent loss to the Knicks shows some inconsistency. Brandon Ingram’s performance against the Miami Heat was impressive, but the team needs more consistent contributions. The Raptors’ away record is decent, but they face a tough challenge against the Cavaliers.
Considering both teams’ performances and the game odds, the Cavaliers are favored to win. Their strong home record and key player performances give them an edge. The Raptors will need to play at their best to compete, but the Cavaliers are likely to come out on top.
- Our Free Prediction: Cavaliers -8.0
