NBA Playoff: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 18/04/26

Cleveland, with experience and home-court advantage, look ready to take the first step in the series against a competitive but offensively limited Toronto.

Asian handicap betting

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had an up-and-down season, but managed to secure home-court advantage in the first round, largely due to weaker competition in the Eastern Conference. After a poor start, the front office made a major move – trading Darius Garland and bringing in the experienced James Harden, which led to a noticeable improvement in performance. Still, the true evaluation of that move will come in the playoffs.

The Toronto Raptors, on the other hand, have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. Despite being projected to finish in the lower part of the conference, they secured a direct playoff spot with a 46–36 record. Coached by Darko Rajaković, the team is characterized by effort, discipline, and strong defense.

A clash of two different styles is expected. The Cavaliers rely on three-point shooting and individual quality from players like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, along with the athletic presence of Allen and Mobley in the paint. The Raptors, meanwhile, build their game around team basketball and one of the league’s best defenses, but struggle with outside shooting.

Good news for Cleveland is that they enter the playoffs fully healthy after dealing with multiple injuries during the season. With strong home support and the experience of key players in playoff series, the Cavaliers are expected to set the tone from the start.

While Toronto have the quality to adjust over the course of the series, in Game 1 the advantage clearly lies with the home side, who should open strongly and take the first step toward advancing.