Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 4/18/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers duke it out in Game 1 at the Rocket Arena on Saturday night. Here’s a Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include a Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Pick.

Toronto Raptors Betting Preview 

The Toronto Raptors kind of stumbled their way into the playoffs as they split their last 14 games to finish with a 46-36 overall record but they are entering this series relatively healthy. Brandon Ingram has led the way with averages of 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game; RJ Barrett has averaged 19.4 points per game, while Scottie Barnes had a solid season with averages of 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

As a team, the Raptors scored an average of 114.6 points per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from the field 3-point line. On the defensive end, the Raptors finished fifth in the league in defensive rating while leading the league in fast-break points.

Check out the other Eastern Conference game between the Knicks and Hawks. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season strong as they reeled off 15 wins from their last 21 games to finish with a 52-30 overall record. Donovan Mitchell had himself another great season with averages of 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game; James Harden was the late addition for the Cavaliers and he has fit right in with averages of 20.5 points and 7.7 assists per game, while Evan Mobley averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. As a team, the Cavaliers scored 119.5 points per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from the 3-point line.  

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win

• The Cavaliers have won each of their last 10 Eastern Conference First Round home games following a win.
• The Raptors have lost each of their seven previous playoff games at Rocket Arena.
• The favorites have covered the spread in 11 of the Raptors’ last 12 games.
• The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games against teams that held a winning record.

Why the Toronto Raptors will win

• The underdogs have won four of the Cavaliers’ last five playoff games.
• The Cavaliers have lost each of their last three playoff games as home favorites.
• The road team has covered the spread in seven of the Cavaliers’ last eight playoff games.
• The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the Cavaliers’ last seven home games following a home win have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of the Raptors’ last five games against the Cavaliers following a home win have gone UNDER the total points line.

Toronto Raptors Player Facts

• Ja’Kobe Walter ranks 19th amongst qualified players for 3P% (40.9%) this season.
• Brandon Ingram ranks 22nd amongst qualified players for points per game (21.5) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (62.2%).
• The Cavaliers are one of only two teams to win 12+ games when trailing after Q3 this season.
• The Raptors rank 1st for fast break points per game (18.9) this season.
• The Raptors rank 2nd in the league for opponent assists per game this season (24.5).

Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

The Raptors have ruled out Chucky Hepburn and they are keeping an eye on Immanuel Quickley who is listed as a game-time decision as he is dealing with a hamstring issue, while the Cavaliers should be close to full health for this contest as they were able to rest most of their players early. These teams met three times in the regular season with the Raptors winning each contest, but those meetings came before the Cavaliers’ roster shake up so you can’t look into that too much. With that being said, I am still expecting a close series that goes at least six games, so while I expect the Cavaliers to draw first blood at home, I think the Raptors keep this really close at the end.

Peter Tran's Pick: Toronto +8.5