Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

A chilly Halloween evening in Cleveland sets the stage for an Eastern Conference clash as the Toronto Raptors visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, October 31, 2025. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, marking the first group-stage fixture of the NBA in-season tournament for both sides. With Toronto eager to rebound from a slow start and Cleveland battling injury concerns across key positions, this matchup promises tactical adjustments and depth tests on both benches before the tournament truly heats up.

Toronto’s pregame report lists Jakob Poeltl as unavailable due to back tightness, forcing head coach Darko Rajaković to rely more on a smaller lineup and extended minutes for Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher. The Raptors’ rotation will also emphasize more wing-heavy combinations, with Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett carrying much of the offensive responsibility. Cleveland’s situation is more concerning—Darius Garland remains out following toe surgery, Max Strus continues to recover from a foot injury, and Sam Merrill is sidelined with a hip contusion. Jarrett Allen’s status remains uncertain as he manages a lingering finger issue, while Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable due to hamstring tightness, leaving J.B. Bickerstaff with limited guard depth.

Coaching approaches for both teams are expected to contrast sharply. Rajaković is likely to prioritize floor spacing and perimeter ball movement, allowing Barnes to initiate more possessions while using quick rotations to tire out Cleveland’s weakened core. Expect Toronto to lean into transition offense and try to exploit mismatches against Cleveland’s backup defenders. Bickerstaff, on the other hand, will aim to slow the game down, focusing on defensive rebounding and half-court execution through Evan Mobley. Cleveland Cavaliers may deploy a zone defense at intervals to neutralize Toronto’s pace and force them into contested jump shots, given the absence of their top creators.

In pregame coverage, media outlets have framed the contest as a test of depth and early-season resolve. Commentators have questioned whether Toronto’s inconsistent shooting can hold up against a Cavs team still strong defensively despite absences. Local Cleveland press emphasized the importance of Mobley’s leadership in the paint and the opportunity for role players such as Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert to shoulder more offensive responsibility. For Toronto, the conversation has focused on Barnes’ development into a full-fledged playmaker and whether Barrett can provide the scoring punch needed to steady the team on the road.

Inside television studios, analysts have dissected the matchup with a cautious tone. Discussions centered around how Toronto’s smaller lineup could stretch Cleveland’s defense, especially if Mitchell is ruled out. Former players noted that the Cavs’ success may hinge on Mobley’s ability to stay out of foul trouble and dominate the glass, while others highlighted that the Raptors’ bench production could be the swing factor. The pregame consensus slightly favors Toronto, whose healthier core and more stable rotation might give them the edge, though most agree that Cleveland’s home energy and defensive grit could make this a grind-it-out contest from start to finish.