Cavaliers Secure 1-0 Series Lead Over Raptors

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-113 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs. The Cavaliers established a 1-0 series lead.

Thomas Bryant of the Cavaliers was out for Game 1 with a calf injury. Immanuel Quickley for the Raptors was questionable with a hamstring injury and did not play. Toronto head coach Darko Rajaković indicated Quickley's condition was improving, but his status for Game 2 remains questionable.

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at 7 PM ET, hosted in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers enter Game 2 with a clean injury report, aside from Bryant. The Raptors' starting lineup for Game 2 is expected to feature Jamal Shead, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl, pending Quickley's status. The Cavaliers anticipate starting James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.

During the regular season, the Cavaliers held an offensive rating of 118.9 (8th in the league) and a defensive rating of 115 (15th). The Raptors posted an offensive rating of 116.8 (13th) and a defensive rating of 113.2 (7th).