Best Players in Raptors vs. Cavaliers Series, Ranked

The Toronto Raptors are clear basketball betting underdogs at the BetMGM online sportsbook for their first-round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers. These teams might have finished next to each other in the standings, but Cleveland won six more games. 

Toronto has been a better defensive team throughout the season. Cleveland, meanwhile, has been elite offensively and ranks second in offensive rating in 2026.

Best Players in Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

1. Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers

An explosive scorer who averages 28.3 points per game in the playoffs, Donovan Mitchell is far and away the best player in this series. 

Mitchell has playoff experience aplenty and should earn All-NBA honours for the third time in his career. He’s just posted the highest free-throw rate of his career and has become an elite mid-range scorer, including making 55% of his shots from floater range in the regular season.

2. Scottie Barnes, Raptors

An argument can be made for Scottie Barnes, James Harden, or Evan Mobley placing second. I think Barnes has the edge for his combination of All-Defensive performance and offensive importance.

Barnes is a switchy, disruptive defender who had 2.9 stocks per game in the regular season. On offence, a minor drop in usage led to an uptick in efficiency. It’s been good to see Barnes cut down his 3-point attempts and get to the rim more often than he did in the last couple of seasons.

3. James Harden, Cavaliers

James Harden was traded again in a stunning swap with Darius Garland, but he had another excellent offensive season. Harden remains one of the best playmakers in the NBA. 

The fit with Mitchell should work itself out, but it’s slightly concerning that both the Los Angeles Clippers and Cavaliers were better when Harden was off the floor this season. The future Hall of Famer still gets to the line at will and posted a true shooting mark 5% above league average. 

4. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had another good season. He hasn’t made the offensive progress that was expected, however, and he had his least efficient season since 2022-23. 

Mobley had a key role to play in this series, whether he’s guarding Barnes or Brandon Ingram. The Cavaliers know what they are getting from the All-Star on the offensive end — he’s a third or fourth option on a contending team. 

5. Brandon Ingram, Raptors

This was Ingram’s healthiest season since his rookie year. He was fortunate to be named an All-Star, and the Raptors were notably only +0.9 per 100 possessions with Ingram on the floor.

This will only be Ingram’s third playoff series. He impressed against the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22, and the Raptors need a similar performance if they are to pull off an upset.