NBA Playoff Preview: Cavaliers vs Raptors

It’s a matchup that can make Raptors fans flinch – but fear not, Toronto. LeBronto is a thing of the past, and these upstart Raps can push the betting favourite Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Thanks to resurgent seasons out of Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, Toronto’s back in the postseason for the first time since 2022, and did well to avoid the play-in tournament in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.  

As the NBA playoff odds show, however, it is primed for a much tougher test than surging past teams like the Magic and 76ers. 

Cleveland Cavaliers

After a 64-win season ended with a second-round exit last season, expectations and pressure were ramped up in Cleveland. That pressure rose even higher in the middle of this campaign, when it made a bold decision to trade 26-year-old Darius Garland for a mercenary a decade older in James Harden. 

Combined with Donovan Mitchell’s looming player option and a growing sense the twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen has run its course, the Cavs head into the postseason with a sense of now-or-never for this core. In a wide-open Eastern Conference, nothing short of a Conference Finals – a place Mitchell has yet to reach – would be acceptable. First, they need to get by a tough Raptors team. 

Toronto Raptors

A 16-win year-over-year improvement for the Raptors was made possible by a tenacious defense, led by All-Star Scottie Barnes, and a season of validation out of fellow All-Star Brandon Ingram.

While BI’s late-game scoring helped keep a relatively punchless offense afloat, Toronto’s lifeblood – and path to a first-round upset – came on defense. It finished fifth in defensive rating, and has already proven its bona fides in this specific matchup. Across three games during the regular season, the Raptors went 3-0 and held the Cavs to 104.3 points per game – a far cry from their season average of 119.5. 

If the Raptors can carry their defensive intensity into the big stage, they could be headed towards a genuine upset – and a little revenge years in the making.   

NBA Betting Series Odds 

Series odds at BET99 - Cavaliers (-550) / Raptors (+400)

Series handicap at BET99 - Cavaliers -2.5 (+105) / Raptors +2.5 (-130)

Series total games at BET99 - Over 5.5 (-110) / Under 5.5 (-110)

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Odds as of April 14, 2026.