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Raptors vs. Cavaliers prediction: Cleveland to win, Donovan Mitchell projected for big game in Game 1 [2026 NBA Playoffs]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers predictions for NBA Playoffs Saturday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors will lock horns in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs series at Rocket Arena on Saturday, with tipoff at 1:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury news, Dimers' advanced NBA model projects the Cavaliers as the most likely winner of the Raptors vs. Cavaliers Game 1 matchup.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Cavaliers lineup will feature players like Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley, while the Raptors will rely on Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes.
This article offers further insights into Saturday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Raptors vs. Cavs prediction: Who will win Game 1?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Saturday's NBA Playoffs game between the Raptors and Cavaliers, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Cavaliers a 73% chance of beating the Raptors in Game 1 of the series. Our predicted final score has the Cavaliers winning 113-106.
According to our model, the Raptors (+8) have a 55% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 220 points has a 51% chance of going over.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers Game 1 odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Raptors | Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +8 (-105) | -8 (-114) |
| Moneyline | +280 | -350 |
| Total | o220 (-110) | u220 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers picks and best bet for Game 1
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Raptors +8 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Raptors | +280 |
| Total | Over 220 | -110 |
According to our best NBA bets, the top play to make on this game is Raptors +8 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers Game 1 player props
Betting on Raptors vs. Cavaliers NBA player props? We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Rocket Arena.
Brandon Ingram is expected to lead the Raptors with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Donovan Mitchell is projected to have 27 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists for the Cavaliers.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Raptors prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Raptors are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram | 23 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 40 |
| RJ Barrett | 20 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 36 |
| Scottie Barnes | 19 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 46 |
| I. Quickley | 13 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 28 |
| Jakob Poeltl | 11 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 27 |
Cavaliers prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Cavaliers:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D. Mitchell | 27 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 47 |
| James Harden | 22 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 45 |
| Evan Mobley | 17 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 39 |
| Jarrett Allen | 15 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 32 |
| Sam Merrill | 11 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 20 |
Raptors vs. Cavs Game 1 updates and essential details
Saturday's Game 1 between the Cavaliers and Raptors in the NBA Playoffs is scheduled to commence at 1:00 PM ET.
- Who: Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM ET/10:00AM PT
- Venue: Rocket Arena
- NBA Playoffs bracket: Updated NBA Playoffs bracket and schedule
The NBA Playoffs is an annual postseason tournament held to determine the league's champion.
A total of 16 teams, including the Raptors and Cavaliers, reached the NBA Playoffs 2026, which includes four rounds: the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals.
Each round is contested as a best-of-seven series, with the first team to four wins progressing to the next round until a champion is crowned.
Conclusion
We predict the Cavaliers, with a 73% win probability, will likely beat the Raptors in Saturday's NBA playoffs matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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