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For the first time in NBA history, the Playoffs will be streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime, beginning with Game 1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the departure of Darius Garland in exchange for James Harden at the trade deadline, the Cavaliers have not seen their team chemistry falter. Through the final 20 games of the season, they went 14-6 and averaged just over 120 points per game. Harden averaged 23.6 points, 8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds during his 17th season.
Third-year coach Darko Rajakovic led his team to the best season under him, with a 46-36 record. This record was Toronto's best since the 2021-2022 campaign, where the team would eventually lose in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers. The series will be headlined by the big three battle between Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and R.J. Barrett against Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley. The Raptors will need to keep their defensive prowess present throughout the series, as Cleveland has shown they can quickly jump out to quick leads if the opposing defense gifts them the opportunity.
While the statistical edge does point towards Cleveland's way, the Raptors did win all three of their head-to-head matchups this season by an average of 11 points. Toronto averages the third most assists in the league, with 29.4 per game, but the offensive statistical advantage ends there. The Cavaliers average the fourth-most points per game (119.4), the seventh-best field goal percentage (48.1%), and a higher three-point percentage compared to the Raptors (35.9% compared to 35.3%). Toronto's defensive stats are marginally better than Cleveland's, so it will be interesting to see if the sole Canadian NBA team can weather the Cavs' offensive storm.
Here's what you need to know about Saturday's matchup between the Cavaliers and Raptors, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Cavs vs. Raptors on today?
- TV channel: None
- Live stream: Prime Video
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 1 will not air on traditional television but will stream live on Prime Video.
Watch select 2026 NBA Playoffs games exclusively on Prime Video, which is included in the 30-day free trial for new Amazon Prime customers.
Cavs vs. Raptors start time
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Cavaliers and Raptors is set to tip off at 1 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cavs vs. Raptors series schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Raptors at Cavaliers | 1 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 20 | Game 2: Raptors at Cavaliers | 7 p.m. | Peacock |
| 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
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 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
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