The NBA released its official playoff scenarios on the eve of the league’s final day of the regular season, and the major takeaway related to the Cavaliers is they can only face the Atlanta Hawks or Toronto Raptors in the first round.
The Cavs clinched the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs on April 10 with a combination of their 124-102 loss at the Hawks and the New York Knicks’ 112-95 win over the Raptors.
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Now only the Hawks or Raptors can become the No. 5 seed and face the Cavs in Round 1. The Cavs have secured home-court advantage in the first round, so Game 1 of their best-of-seven series against either the Hawks or the Raptors will be held April 18 or April 19 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Cavaliers coverage: Canton native CJ McCollum would cherish Hawks vs. Cavs playoff matchup
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier in the day in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sits in the stands to watch a game against the Cavs on Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 is doused with water by teammate Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 and Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 24: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic collects a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket while guarded by Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller on Jan. 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.\
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 19: Guard Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, center, drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers defenders Joel Embiid, left, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’qwan Tomlin (35) goes for a loose ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half, Jan. 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) looks to pass while being defended by Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter during the second half, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots the ball during the first quarter as Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 25, 2025.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter celebrates after a second-half dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dec. 23, 2025, Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson tries to get the attention of referee Natalie Sago (9) in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) loses the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) chase the ball during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) defends Dec. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter rebounds in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Dec 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) passes during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luke Travers (33) comes down with a rebound against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin (35) blocks the shot of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden on Nov. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) loses the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket against Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives between Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat during the first half, Nov. 12, 2025 in Miami.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) fight for a loose ball during the first period at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the dunk. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton chase a loose ball in the second half of a NBA Cup game, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends a shot by Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De’Andre Hunter (12) and Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) work for the ball in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) dunks as Detroit Pistons’ Tolu Smith looks on Oct. 27, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) blocks a shot taken by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season
Oct 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) hangs on the rim after a dunk against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
WNBA news: Is Cleveland getting a WNBA team? League officially approves expansion
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks on April 10, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
On April 12, the final day of the NBA’s regular season, the Cavs will host the Washington Wizards, the Hawks will visit the Miami Heat and the Raptors will host the Brooklyn Nets. All three games are scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m.
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The Cavs went 2-2 against the Hawks and 0-3 against the Raptors in the 2025-26 regular season.
Here are the official playoff scenarios released by the NBA:
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs will play Hawks or Raptors in first round of playoffs