The Cavs and Raptors face off in a decisive Game 7 of their playoff series, with each team winning their home games so far. The series is tied after a thrilling Game 6, which featured a game-winning shot by RJ Barrett.
Key points
Cavs and Raptors are tied in their playoff series
Home team has won all six games so far
RJ Barrett hit a game-winning shot in Game 6
Game 7 will take place at Rocket Arena
Cleveland CavaliersToronto RaptorsRJ Barrett
Cavs vs Raptors predictions. Who wins Game 7 of NBA playoff series?
Here are Game 7 predictions from Beacon Journal writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Q&A
What are the predictions for Game 7 between the Cavs and Raptors?
Predictions for Game 7 suggest a closely contested matchup, with both teams having strong home court advantages throughout the series.
Who won Game 6 of the Cavs vs Raptors series?
The Raptors won Game 6, thanks to RJ Barrett's game-winning shot, forcing a decisive Game 7.
Where is Game 7 of the Cavs vs Raptors playoff series being held?
Game 7 is being held at Rocket Arena, the home venue of the Toronto Raptors.
What is the history of the Cavs vs Raptors playoff series?
The playoff series has been competitive, with the home team winning all six games leading up to Game 7.
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May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lays on the court after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots layups before game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
1 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
2 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
3 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
4 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lays on the court after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots layups before game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Cavs vs Raptors Game 7 predictions
LEWIS: The Cavaliers probably should have finished off this series sooner, and the Raptors might now be playing with house money, especially considering they've been without Immanuel Quickley and, recently, Brandon Ingram.
All the pressure in Game 7 should be on the Cavaliers, who came into these playoffs with higher expectations and a healthier roster. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden absolutely have to give the Cavs more production to counteract the dynamic duo of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, who have probably been the best two players in the series so far. Harden especially has struggled to get anything going without a slew of turnovers following him.
Still, the Raptors being banged up might catch up with them a bit more in Game 7, and the Cavs have been a completely different team at home than on the road. Their away-from-Cleveland issues will need to be addressed soon, but they should be in a good spot to survive the first round series, even if they never should have put themselves in this position. Mitchell, Harden and Evan Mobley all have a lot to prove. Cavaliers 111, Raptors 107
ULRICH: The original forecast called for the Cavs to defeat the Raptors in seven games, and with the home team winning every game in this series so far, there is no compelling reason to predict the trend will end on May 3 at Rocket Arena.
Cavs backup point guard Dennis Schroder made an interesting point after his Game 5 heroics. He was talking about himself, but his quote certainly applies to the Cavs as a collective group. "I think experience, of course, matters, but at the end of the day, the urgency and the energy got to be there. If you don't have it, experience don't matter," Schroder said.
The Cavs are more experienced than the Raptors, but Toronto has had the overall edge in urgency and energy during this series. In Game 7 in Cleveland, the Cavs' desire will be under the microscope. If the players on the roster still enjoy playing with each other and for coach Kenny Atkinson and want to maintain continuity beyond this season, they will show the requisite hunger in a do-or-die scenario. Cavs 103, Raptors 100
Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich cover the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal.
