Cavs vs. Raptors Game 5: How to watch, odds, and injury report
The Cavs will look to regain control of the series.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 26 : James Harden (1) of Cleveland Cavaliers in action during the Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images This technically isn’t a must-win game, but it comes about as close to being one as possible for the Cleveland Cavaliers . Cleveland was in firm control of their opening-round series through the first two games.
They were getting whatever they wanted offensively with their star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden leading the charge. This added up to a 2-0 lead, with neither of the wins being particularly close. The second two games were the exact opposite.
The Toronto Raptors have dictated the terms of engagement since. They’ve made it incredibly difficult for Mitchell and Harden — and in turn — have shut down Cleveland’s entire offense. The inability to get the offense going, combined with terrible fourth-quarter defense, added up to two straight losses in games that were there for the taking heading into the final quarter.
We’ll see which version of the Cavs we get in Game 5 with the series shifting back to Cleveland. Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage! Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword .