PREVIEW: The Toronto Raptors, seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record, face the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, who finished 52-30 , in a first-round matchup that defies conventional wisdom. Despite being the lower seed, Toronto swept Cleveland in all three regular-season meetings , yet the Cavaliers enter as heavy favorites due to a significant roster transformation. The Raptors boast the league's best passing attack and rank second in efficient rim attacks, but their low-frequency three-point shooting (ranking 25th) and weak offensive spacing expose vulnerabilities against elite defenses. Toronto's blueprint centers on pushing pace in transition, having led the league in fast-break points during the regular season, though they'll need to avoid Cleveland's suffocating set defense. The Cavaliers showcase a more balanced skill set, ranking third in efficient rim attacks while boasting the eighth-ranked three-point shooting and seventh-ranked transition efficiency. Cleveland's formidable backcourt duo of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, both seasoned playoff performers, will look to lead the offensive charge while Harden orchestrates opportunities for teammates. Evan Mobley anchors Cleveland's defense with a crucial role in protecting the rim alongside Jarrett Allen while using his length to disrupt Toronto's offensive rhythm. While the Raptors dominated the regular season, the Cavaliers' home-court advantage and superior star power position them as the contest's likely victors.