CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers last met the Toronto Raptors on November 24. Given the numerous changes for the Cavaliers, the nearly five-month interval might feel like five seasons.
Since the Raptors’ 110-99 win in Toronto on Nov. 24, the Cavaliers have brought in James Harden through a midseason trade, gaining momentum as they improved in the latter part of the season, securing the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with home-court advantage for the first-round series starting Saturday.
The Cavaliers have recorded a 21-9 record since acquiring Harden on February 4, boasting the second-best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference. While Harden pursues his first championship, Donovan Mitchell aims to reach a conference final for the first time.
Although Mitchell is still the leading player for Cleveland, the addition of a veteran like Harden has proven advantageous. “Having another guy with that kind of experience makes communication easier, which is really important,” Mitchell noted.
Harden is averaging 20.5 points with the Cavaliers, while Mitchell ranks sixth in the league with 27.9 points per game. The Raptors are entering the postseason as the fifth seed for the first time in four years, with Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes forming a strong frontcourt duo after Ingram’s recent acquisition.
Familiar Foes
This marks the fourth playoff encounter between the Cavaliers and Raptors, the first since 2018. Cleveland triumphed in the 2016 Eastern Conference finals in six games and proceeded to sweep Toronto in the 2017 and 2018 playoffs. The Cavaliers are undefeated (7-0) against the Raptors in home playoff games.
Player Dynamics
Cleveland’s new core includes Harden, Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, yet they have only played together for seven games, dominating opponents with an average plus-26.7 points per 100 possessions.
Injury Update
Toronto’s guard Immanuel Quickley is questionable due to a mild hamstring strain, while Allen battles knee tendinitis but is optimistic about his readiness for Game 1.
Coaching Milestone
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic has made history as the first European coach to lead a team into the playoffs after a full season. Entering his third year with Toronto, he has remarkably improved the team’s performance with 46 wins this season.
