Jarrett
Allen

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting set to play in the first round of the NBA divisional playoffs. Here are four things to know about the series, which pits Cleveland against Toronto at Rocket Arena: 1. Postseason schedule The No. 4 seed Cavs open their first-round series against the No. 5 Toronto Raptors at 1 p.m. today - Saturday, April 18, at Rocket Arena. Tuesday’s tipoff party took place on East 6th Street, and away-game watch parties are in the works. Fans at the arena will receive playoff T-shirts, rally towels and LED bracelets for Games 1 and 2. First-round schedule: Game 1: Raptors at Cavaliers – 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18 (Prime Video) Game 2: Raptors at Cavaliers – 7 p.m. Monday, April 20 (Peacock) Game 3: Cavaliers at Raptors – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23 (Prime Video) Game 4: Cavaliers at Raptors – 1 p.m. Sunday, April 26 (ESPN) Game 5: Raptors at Cavaliers – TBA* Game 6: Cavaliers at Raptors – TBA* Game 7: Raptors at Cavaliers – TBA* (*if necessary) 2. Cavs spice up playoff menu Off the court, the Cavaliers are elevating their game-day experience with a new lineup of playoff concessions. Executive chef Richard Arnoldi said this year’s menu leans just a bit spicier, balancing bold flavors with quick service. Highlights include Cajun chicken soul rolls from Pearl’s Kitchen, short rib steamed buns from Rocco’s and a spicy “Meatballer” pizza with Calabrian hot honey from Flour Pizza Co. Other additions range from a white cheddar turkey burger to loaded chicken bacon ranch tots, while cocktails like the “Spida Bite” (a nod to Donovan Mitchell’s nickname) bring a mix of heat and sweetness. Arnoldi emphasized collaboration among chefs and hinted that additional items could debut if the Cavs make a deeper run in the postseason. 3. Cavs-Raptors history + odds This season, Cleveland lost to Toronto in all three games they played: • 112-101 on Oct. 31 • 126-113 on Nov. 13 • 110-99 on Nov. 24 The Cavs, though, are an early favorite in Game 1. Oddsmakers have them around an 8- to 8.5-point favorite. Over-under is 218.5 to 219.5 total points. And the moneyline – the wager where a team simply needs to win the game outright with no point spread in play – has the Cavaliers as significant favorites at -350 to win while the Raptors are +275 to +280 underdogs. 4. Cavs players in Finals MVP odds Four Cleveland players are drawing attention in Finals MVP betting markets. Mitchell leads the Cavs group at 16/1, reflecting his role as the team’s offensive centerpiece. James Harden appears at 50/1, while Evan Mobley (250/1) and Jarrett Allen (300/1) round out Cleveland’s presence on the board. For full odds on 35 players: NBA MVP Finals odds include 4 Cleveland players

Cavs center Jarrett Allen is carrying a knee injury into Game 1 of the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors.