The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their playoff journey at 1pm Saturday against the Toronto Raptors.
Why it matters: After three straight seasons of disappointing playoff exits, the most expensive roster in the NBA risks imminent demolition if it can't go on a deep run this year.
The big picture: It's time for Donovan Mitchell, an electric playoff scorer, to cement his status as an all-time Cavs great.
- It's time for James Harden — among the league's most decorated players never to win a championship — to change his narrative as a playoff choker.
- And it's time for big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley to avoid injury, summon their inner beasts and gobble up some rebounds.
State of play: Most league analysts are not expecting the Cavs to face much resistance from the Raptors, familiar playoff patsies from the LeBron era.
Yes, but: Toronto can be a menace on the defensive end.
- They are led in that regard by forward Scottie Barnes, who narrowly defeated Mobley for the NBA's rookie of the year in 2022.
Flashback: The Cavs went 0-3 against the Raptors in the regular season, but all three games were played in October and November, when the Cavs' roster looked very different.
- Then-starting point guard Darius Garland was inactive for all three. Erstwhile two-way players Luke Travers and Chris Livingston were earning minutes alongside Lonzo Ball and DeAndre Hunter.
🩼 Zoom out: The Cavs suffered more instability due to injury this year than any other Eastern Conference team in the postseason, with 41 different starting lineups used across the 82-game regular season.
- But head coach Kenny Atkinson now has a healthy roster at his disposal, which should hearten local fans.
How to watch: The Cavs' first four games will air on three streaming platforms.
- Game 1: 1pm Saturday, April 18 (Amazon Prime)
- Game 2: 7pm Monday, April 20 (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 3: 8pm Thursday, April 23 (Amazon Prime)
- Game 4: 1pm Sunday, April 26 (ESPN)
What's next: Tipoff times and TV coverage for Games 5-7 will be announced as needed.
- Should the Cavs advance, they would likely face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons — and former head coach J.B. Bickerstaff — in the second round.
