Toronto Raptors: Classifying Potential Playoff Matchups as Good or Bad

Detroit Pistons

Prior to the 2018-2019 season, Toronto had won six straight meetings with Detroit. However, this year the Pistons swept the Raptors in the regular season.

What makes Detroit so dangerous is the fact that they know they can beat Toronto. They know that they have defeated the Raptors not once, not twice, but three times this season.

There is also another storyline that would take place should this matchup become a reality. Dwane Casey taking on his former team. The franchise he helped take from the bottom to the top, the franchise he won Coach of the Year with and, the franchise that fired him.

Detroit has so much to play for in this series. Not only are they playing for each other they are playing for their coach. As much as the team would like to deny it, this series is going to be personal.

From a basketball standpoint, a handful of Casey’s former players are no longer with the Raptors. DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas, and C.J. Miles are all on different teams. However, as the Pistons have proven that they know how to beat Toronto.

In two out of three matchups, this season the Pistons outrebounded the Raptors. With Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond protecting the paint, this should come as no surprise. However, an inability to rebound and generate second chances could be trouble for the Raptors.

There’s a slim chance that this match-up happens, but it’s one to keep an eye out for.

Verdict: Bad Matchup