The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors tip off their first-round playoff series tonight at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, with the Cavs holding home-court advantage. After a strong 52-30 regular season, Cleveland looks to leverage their 27-14 home record against a resilient 46-36 Raptors squad.

The action is underway, and the Cavaliers have jumped to an early 8-6 lead. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have provided the early interior scoring for Cleveland, while Toronto's Scottie Barnes has answered with six quick points, including an assist on a Jamal Shead three-pointer.

Key matchups are already developing. The battle in the paint between Allen, Mobley, and Toronto's Jakob Poeltl will be crucial, while the backcourt duel featuring Donovan Mitchell and James Harden for Cleveland against Toronto's guards is one to watch all series.

Injury news impacts both sides: the Raptors will be without guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring), while the Cavaliers are missing center Thomas Bryant (calf). Their absences could test each team's depth as the series progresses.

With the intensity of playoff basketball now in full swing, every possession counts. Stay tuned as these Eastern Conference contenders battle for an early series advantage in Game 1.