Toronto Raptors: Three biggest questions heading into the playoffs

1. Can Pascal Siakam live up to playoff expectations?

When Masai Ujiri traded for Serge Ibaka, many tabbed Mafuzzy Chef as the final piece of Toronto’s Big Three puzzle, but instead, it’s been Pascal Siakam who has run away with the “third best player” title in 2018-19. Along with Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, Siakam has, on multiple occasions, carried the Raptors this season.

At this point, Pascal has to be considered the front-runner to win the league’s Most Improved Player award. Sorry to D’Angelo Russell. Taking nothing away from Brooklyn’s backcourt star, but Siakam has been a vital piece to a title contender’s winning formula since opening tip, back in October.

In an era of load management, Siakam has missed one game and is averaging more than 30 minutes per night in 2018-19. Every part of his game has improved exponentially. But now, another test awaits: Can Pascal Siakam dominate in a playoff environment?

Nothing suggests he won’t, provided he continues to do the things he’s done all year to be successful — starting on the defensive end.

When he wants to, Siakam is capable of playing a level of defense as annoying as the fly that just won’t go away. Pascal can be a pest when he chooses to be.

Offensively, Spicy P will see plenty of single coverage in these playoffs (remember, Kawhi’s load no longer needs managing, so he will be the defenses first and foremost priority). Even when teams elect to double 43, Siakam’s passing ability will serve him well.

These playoffs are shaping up to be, among other things, spicy…