Editor’s note: Follow our Game 1 live updates of the Cavs-Raptors series by clicking here.
CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson kept his decision on the Cavs’ fifth starter close to the vest as the team prepared for its best-of-seven first-round series against the Toronto Raptors.
In the name of competitive advantage, Atkinson even declined to name a starter during his pregame media availability.
Finally, roughly an hour before the 1 p.m. tipoff for Game 1 on Saturday, April 18, the Cavs announced they will start forward Dean Wade against the Raptors.
Cavs starters vs. Raptors for Game 1 of first-round NBA playoff series
Here are the players the fourth-seeded Cavs (52-30) will start against the fifth-seeded Raptors (46-36):
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: Cavs’ Dean Wade will start Game 1 vs. Raptors in 2026 NBA playoffs
Reporting by Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
