LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers eased to a win in the NBA playoffs, while the San Antonio Spurs were thrashed.

The Cavs took their Eastern Conference semi-finals opener against the Toronto Raptors 116-105 on Monday.

James had a double-double of 35 points and 10 rebounds as the Cavs cruised to a home win.

Kyrie Irving (24 points and 10 assists) and Tristan Thompson (11 points and 14 rebounds) also had double-doubles.

Kevin Love fell just short of one of his own with 18 points and nine rebounds, the Cavs setting up their win with a 62-48 first half.

The Raptors – who were led by Kyle Lowry's 20 points and 11 assists – will look for a response at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday.

The Spurs went 1-0 down in the Western Conference after a 126-99 loss at the hands of the Houston Rockets.

James Harden (20 points and 14 assists) starred in what was an even contribution for Houston, who finished with a playoffs franchise-record 22 three-pointers.

Trevor Ariza (23 points) and Clint Capela (20) provided him with plenty of support in the Rockets' win at AT&T Center.

Spurs star Kawhi Leonard had 21 points and 11 rebounds, but he went five-of-14 from the field.

San Antonio shot at just 36.9 per cent in their loss.