Raptors vs. Cavs schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series

Scottie Barnes and Donovan Mitchell

Raptors vs. Cavs schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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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.

Raptors vs. Cavs schedule

Series tied 3-3

Date Game Time (ET) Watch
April 18 Game 1: Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113
April 20 Game 2: Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105
April 23 Game 3: Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104
April 26 Game 4: Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89
April 29 Game 5: Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120
May 1 Game 6: Raptors 112, Cavaliers 110
May 3 Game 7: Raptors at Cavaliers 7:30 p.m. SN1, RDS

Where to watch Raptors vs. Cavs: TV channel, live stream

  • TV channels: TSN and Sportsnet channels
  • Live streams:TSN.ca, TSN+, Sportsnet+

Raptors playoff games will be split between the TSN channels and Sportsnet. 

Fans can stream the games either on TSN.ca and TSN+ or via Sportsnet+ depending on the day. 

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. 

Event Dates
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

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