Toronto Raptors: Classifying Potential Playoff Matchups as Good or Bad
Philadelphia 76ers
A clash between the Raptors and 76ers could be a marquee second-round matchup. Toronto holds a 3-1 advantage over Philadelphia. However, the two teams have not met since the 76ers acquired Tobias Harris.
The Raptors and 76ers have shared similar trajectories this season. After disappointing postseason showings a year ago both teams decided to re-tool in a big way. Toronto acquired Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol while Philidelphia traded for Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris.
A major key in this matchup would be limiting Ben Simmons’ opportunities in the paint. Almost all of his scoring comes from inside the paint and mid-range area. He will rarely if ever shoot a three-pointer.
Take a look at his shot chart from last years Playoffs:
This is Ben Simmons' shot chart for the ENTIRE SERIES 😳 pic.twitter.com/HTY71flROD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 10, 2018
Protecting the paint is not only a priority when guarding Simmons but also for Joel Embiid as well. Embiid is a monster on the glass and the Raptors can not afford to give him any easy looks. Philadelphia free-throw percentage ranks 15th in the NBA so sending them to the line is anything but a guaranteed make.
The 76ers ranks 15th in the NBA for points in the paint per game. Keeping them out of the key is only a minor part of achieving a series victory.
If the Raptors can successfully tighten up the paint Philly is going to end up living and dying by the long bomb. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Teams that rely heavily on long-distance shots often end up settling for bad looks. This, in turn, leads to frustration and in a length series, will lead to fatigue.
Kyle Lowry is going to be the X-Factor for Toronto in a potential second-round clash. Lowry will undoubtedly be motivated to knock off his home town team. When the chip on Lowry’s shoulder is big he is nearly unstoppable.
Philidelphia is definitely a formidable foe for Toronto. However, the Raptors have had no trouble with this team during the regular season. A Raptors-76ers clash will be exciting and fast paced.
Verdict: Good matchup.