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For the first time since 2022, the Raptors are in the postseason. They get quite the matchup in their opening round tilt, jousting with the Cavaliers -- one of the NBA's best sides.
Cleveland didn't quite hit the heights that it did last year. Still, the Kenny Atkinson-helmed side fared well in an improving Eastern Conference, bumping shoulders with the conference's heavyweights with a glistening 52-30 record.
The Cavaliers didn't rest on their laurels, acquiring James Harden at the trade deadline in exchange for Darius Garland. Harden has put forth impressive displays during his time in Cleveland, averaging 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games for the Cavaliers. While some questioned his fit alongside Donovan Mitchell, the numbers suggest Cleveland is better than ever -- the Cavs went 18-8 during the regular season with Harden.
Harden's postseason woes are well-established. If he can overcome his foibles, Cleveland could find itself in paradise sooner rather than later.
Here's what you need to know to watch Cavaliers vs. Raptors, including broadcast information and start times.
Cavs vs. Raptors schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113 | — | — |
| April 20 | Game 2: Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105 | — | — |
| April 23 | Game 3: Cavaliers at Raptors | 8 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 26 | Game 4: Cavaliers at Raptors | 1 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| April 29 | Game 5: Raptors at Cavaliers* | TBA | TBA |
| May 1 | Game 6: Cavaliers at Raptors* | TBA | TBA |
| May 3 | Game 7: Raptors at Cavaliers* | TBA | TBA |
* If necessary
Where to watch Cavs vs. Raptors: TV channel, live stream
- TV channels: ESPN
- Live streams: DIRECTV | ESPN app | Peacock | Prime Video
The Cavaliers vs. Raptors series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video, Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
English (US)