The 2026 NBA Playoffs are officially online. The Cleveland Cavaliers (#4 seed) and the Toronto Raptors (#5 seed) are set to reignite a rivalry that has been dormant in the postseason since 2018. While Cleveland holds the historical edge, the regular season saw the Raptors sweep the Cavs 3-0. This, however, isn’t the same Cavs team that struggled before Thanksgiving; this is a squad that has fully integrated James Harden into a terrifying backcourt alongside Donovan Mitchell. For Cleveland, this series is about redemption after last year’s bitter second-round exit; for Toronto, it’s about proving that their 16-win turnaround this season was no fluke.

Here is your guide to the schedule, tickets and key matchups.

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The Schedule

• Game 1: Saturday, April 18 | @ Rocket Arena (CLE) | 1:00 PM ET | ABC, TSN, SN | (Tickets from $46)
• Game 2: Monday, April 20 | @ Rocket Arena (CLE) | 7:00 PM ET | Amazon Prime Video | (Tickets from $41)
• Game 3: Thursday, April 23 | @ Scotiabank Arena (TOR) | 8:00 PM ET | Amazon Prime Video | (Tickets from $110)
• Game 4: Sunday, April 26 | @ Scotiabank Arena (TOR) | 1:00 PM ET | ESPN | (Tickets from $113)
• Game 5:* Wednesday, April 29 | @ Rocket Arena (CLE) | TBD | TBA | (Tickets from $50)
• Game 6:* Friday, May 1 | @ Scotiabank Arena (TOR) | TBD | TBA | (Tickets from $133)
• Game 7:* Sunday, May 3 | @ Rocket Arena (CLE) | TBD | TBA | (Tickets from $74)

*If necessary

Key Storylines

@espn

“Look at Uno, COOKED.” 😂 (via spidadmitchell/IG) #cavs #nba #funny #playoffs

♬ original sound – ESPN

• The Beard Factor: Cleveland’s ceiling changed on February 4. Since joining the Cavs, James Harden has been a seamless fit, averaging 23.6 PPG and 8.0 APG.
• The Barnes/Ingram Wing OS: Toronto’s top-five defense is anchored by All-Stars Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Barnes is the primary “System Disruptor” tasked with containing Harden.
• Physicality vs. Star Power: Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson has framed this series as a “fitness race.” Cleveland will see if the addition of Harden and a healthy Evan Mobley provides the necessary manpower to survive Toronto’s length.

Retail & Fan Perks

• The Land Collective: For Game 2, the team is dropping a new “Land Collective” capsule, available exclusively at the Center Court team shop.
• Heat-Press Customization: Every hat purchase at Rocket Arena during the first round comes with a FREE custom playoff patch, heat-sealed on-site while fans wait.
• Playoff Priority: Cavs United members (presented by KeyBank) and Cavs Rewards account holders are getting the first “patch” for ticket access, ensuring the 184-consecutive-sellout streak remains unbroken.

Game One kicks off Saturday, April 18, at Rocket Arena at 1:00 pm ET.

Featured Photo: Rocket Arena

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Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.