TORONTO – The Cavs begin a new era today – Wednesday, October 23 – with their season opener against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. The matchup is available to watch for free on multiple streaming services.

The season opener will be broadcast live on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (formerly Bally Sports Ohio). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans who have cut ties with their cable provider can watch the game for free using streaming alternatives like DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial. FuboTV also offers a free trial and $20 off your first month.

The Kenny Atkinson era begins with a familiar duel north of the border. It's the second time in three years they've opened the season in Toronto.

Cleveland (48-34) is coming off a season in which it finished fourth in the playoffs for the second straight year under former head coach JB Bickerstaff. After being eliminated in the first round two years ago, the Cavs made it to the conference semifinals, where they lost to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics. An admirable gentlemanly effort under the circumstances.

Changes were inevitable as the team lacked that additional equipment, especially in the postseason.

The Cavs will look to climb even higher in the Eastern Conference after returning their core four of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

Mitchell averaged 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field. Garland's numbers dropped to 15.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field.

Allen averaged 17.0 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting an NBA-best 67.6% from the field. Mobley posted 16.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 55.5% from the field.

Mobley's jump has been coming for years. He seems to have become more interested in attacking on the ball while also optimizing his passing skills. A 3-point shot is still being developed.

Cleveland's offensive woes highlighted last season's problems, but its defense remained solid, scoring 110.2 points per game, seventh in the league. In order to play faster and with a more controlled flow, Atkinson and Co. must find the balance while still maintaining their defensive identity.

The starting five was in danger after the end of the season. Mitchell and Garland weathered rumors of an offseason, but they turned out to be smoke. Allen survived intense criticism for sitting out most of the playoffs due to a bruised rib. Mobley's expectations continued to grow.

The fifth member of this starting five, Max Strus, will have to wait much longer to get a foothold in the NBA season. Strus suffered a sprained right ankle during an individual practice session and will be out for at least the first six weeks.

Power forward Dean Wade could step into that role.

The Cavs' bench has several intriguing pieces as lockdown defenseman Isaac Okoro continues to try to find his shot. Microwave scorer (10.1 points per game) Caris LeVert increased his assist game last season, adding to his versatile arsenal. Beyond the arc, sharpshooter Sam Merrill remains a wild card whenever he checks on the floor.

The Cavs averaged 13.5 3-pointers per game, which was seventh in the league. Her 3-point percentage was 36.7%, right in the middle of the pack for 15th in the NBA.

Cleveland has won 44 or more games in seven of the last 10 seasons. For the second time in franchise history, six players averaged 12 or more points per game.

Watch Cavs vs. Raptors for free on DirecTV stream

The Raptors (25-57) have missed the playoffs in two straight seasons. With injuries already occurring, rebuilding is becoming more and more like an arduous climb out of the barrel.

Under second-year head coach Darko Rajakovic, Toronto is trying to find itself since replacing Pascal Siakam last season. They ended the dismal 2023-24 season with a 2:19 win.

The group includes key players Scottie Barnes (19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists), Immanuel Quickley (17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists) and RJ Barrett (20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists). The latter has shown potential but is likely to miss the opening game due to an injury sustained in pre-season. Barrett participated in non-contact drills on Monday.

Toronto's wing lineup has brought attention to the Cavs over the years. This time they will lack that advantage, further increasing Cleveland's chances. Still, Quickley and Barnes can do damage in certain spots.

The Raptors were a thorn in the side from long range last season, making a fifth-worst 11.5 3-pointers per game. They were the fourth-worst team in the league, shooting a paltry 34.7% from distance. The commitment of second-year guard Gradey Dick could be a key factor in this category.

The Raptors won two of the three meetings last season.

Watch Cavs vs. Raptors for free on FuboTV

Cavs vs Raptors injury report

Cleveland Cavaliers: Max Strus (ankle), Emoni Bates (knee), JT Thor (two-way use) and Luke Travers (two-way use) are all out.

Toronto Raptors: RJ Barrett (shoulder), Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (back) and Ja'Kobe Walter (shoulder) are all out.

Who announces Cavs vs. Raptors?

John Michael (play-by-play) and Brad Daugherty (analyst) will be the announcers, while Serena Winters will report from courtside.

What are the current Cavs vs. Raptors odds?

Moneyline: CLE: (-250), TOR: (+205)

Spread: CLE: (-6.5), GOAL: (+6.5)

Over/Under: 224.5

Odds from DraftKings

Here's more information on how to watch Cavs vs. Raptors on TV or streaming services:

What: NBA Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Time: 7:30 p.m. Easter

Where: Scotiabank Arena | Toronto, Canada

Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio

Best Streaming Options: FuboTV (free trial and $20 off your first month) DirecTV Stream (free trial)

Cable duct finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios