5 reasons Raptors fans can be optimistic for the playoffs

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Mar 23, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) blocks the shot by Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Biyombo’s Emergence

Bismack Biyombo has given opposing teams all that they can handle. When Jonas Valanciunas went down with his second hand injury of the season, Biyombo did Biyombo things. He proved he can be the game changing centre we’ve all dreamed of when he grabbed a franchise high 25 rebounds against the Indiana Pacers. That performance was a blip on the radar, of course, but he has remained a consistent source of energy and the backbone of the Raptors interior defense throughout the season.

Even though Biyombo wants to stay with the Raptors after the season, he has played himself into upper echelon centre material (if Tristan Thompson can get 5 years/82 million, Biyombo might be a goner from Toronto-land). As a starter, Biyombo has been no less than a monster. Without Valanciunas, Biyombo has averaged 6.2 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 2 BPG on 55% field goal percentage. Not bad for your second string centre.

Come playoff time he will be instrumental in stopping the attack in crunch time situations. As amazing as he has been, he is actually getting better at recognizing opposing slashers and is able to lock the paint down better than he ever has in his young career. With April approaching quickly, we are lucky that this guy is playing the best basketball of his life, and ready to make some noise come playoffs.

Next: The return

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