After a four-year hiatus, the Toronto Raptors will make their return to the postseason against the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting up a matchup between the fourth and fifth seeds in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
The Raptors earned that fifth seed on the final day of the season via a tie-breaker after finishing with a 46-36 record that was tied with the Atlanta Hawks. The Cleveland Cavaliers made a strong push in the second half of the season, particularly after the acquisition of former MVP James Harden. They won 21 of their final 30 games to move ahead of the Raptors and clinch fourth.
Toronto enters the series as pretty heavy underdogs, especially relative to the normal gap between fourth and fifth seeds, despite having won the season series 3-0. All three games, though, were played before the Cavs acquired Harden.
By earning the higher seed, Cleveland will host the first two games of the best-of-seven series before Games 3 and 4 are played in Toronto.
For the Raptors, this marks a new era in postseason basketball, with Scottie Barnes as the face of the franchise after Kyle Lowry shepherded the majority of the previous iteration. Acquired at last season’s trade deadline, Brandon Ingram has helped lead the charge back to the playoffs as the team’s leading scorer, with both he and Barnes receiving all-star nods this season.
Can Toronto pull off the upset? Here’s everything you need to know about how you can watch to find out.
How to watch Game 1 between the Raptors and Cavaliers?
Date: April 18, 2026.
Tip-off: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT.
Location: Rocket Arena. Cleveland, Ohio.
TV Channels: Sportsnet ONE
Stream: Sportsnet+
When and what time does Raps vs. Cavs Game 1 start?
The game against the Cavs is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 p.m. EDT/9:30 a.m. PDT.
What channel will have Game 1 of Raps vs. Cavs?
If you’ve subscribed to Sportsnet through your cable package, such as through Bell or Rogers, you’re covered. Just look for Sportsnet ONE on your channel guide.
How to stream Game 1 of Raps vs. Cavs in Canada?
You can watch the game on your phone via the Sportsnet app via a paid Sportsnet+ subscription . You can also stream the game via the Sportsnet+ website.
If you’ve already paid for a cable subscription to Sportsnet’s TV channels, you can also sign into Sportsnet+ using those login details.
Digital services like Rogers Ignite TV and Bell Fibe can be used to access Sportsnet.
Who’s playing for the Raptors?
Apr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic shakes hands with Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) at a break against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Nothing has been officially confirmed with regards to the health status of Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley, who is dealing with a mild hamstring strain as well as plantar fascia. He is considered day-to-day.
Point guard Chucky Hepburn has been unavailable since early January when he underwent right knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Below is the 15-man roster.
PG: Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead, Chucky Hepburn
SG: RJ Barrett, Ja’Kobe Walter, AJ Lawson
SF: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jamison Battle
PF: Scottie Barnes, Sandro Mamukelashvili
C: Jakob Poeltl, Collin Murray-Boyles, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jonathan Mogbo
Gradey Dick, AJ Lawson, Jamison Battle, and Trayce Jackson-Davis have all been used sparingly this season and so will likely only figure if the game is in a blowout situation.
Who’s playing for the Cavaliers?
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) is helped to his feet by guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and guard Sam Merrill (5) in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Centre Jarrett Allen is dealing with some knee tendinitis but is expected to be available. He played 56 of the 82 regular season games this season. Below is the Cavs’ 15-man roster.
PG: James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Craig Porter Jr.
SG: Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Tyrese Proctor
SF: Dean Wade, Max Strus, Keon Ellis
PF: Evan Mobley, Jaylon Tyson, Nae’Qwan Tomlin
C: Jarrett Allen, Thomas Bryant, Larry Nance Jr.