With a series-clinching Game 5 at home, the Toronto Raptors need to take advantage of the opportunity and close out this series.
The Toronto Raptors are in a rather comfortable situation flying back home after a Game 4 win. The team is heading back across the border up 3-1. As the more talented team, Toronto holds all the advantages.
Kawhi Leonard bounced back after his Game 3 struggles, finishing with 34 points, 6 rebounds, and two of each in assists, steals, and blocks. He shot efficiently, shooting 60 percent from the floor.
That elite performance was the highlight of an important win from the Raptors as a team. Shutting down the offense of the Orlando Magic and shooting over 50 percent from the floor were two other important factors.
Now having a chance to close out the series at home in Game 5, this is when homecourt advantage pays off. The Raptors need to seize the moment and get the series-clinching win. With the possibility of rest and preparation before round two, the Raptors should be looking to get this series over with ASAP.
Finish Them
It would be nice if a series can end in five games for the Toronto Raptors. If they can get the win today, it would be their first time clinching a seven-game series in five or less.
The series against Orlando been a defensive battle, as the Magic have been physical and made the Raptors work for every offensive possession. Confidence should be high but Toronto shouldn’t forget that the Magic stunned them in Game 1 at home.
The Magic have won in Toronto and have proven that they should not be taken lightly. Yes, they’re in a 1-3 hole, however, that should allow them to come out loose. No one expects them to win this game.
But these things shouldn’t cause worry about Kawhi and crew dropping Game 5. After these past couple games, Toronto should feel good about possibly closing out the series.
They have shut down the Magic offense, holding them the to under 40-percent shooting from the field, the second worst out of all playoff teams.
They have also been limiting their shooting possessions; the Raptors are third among playoff teams in steals per game (8.5). Toronto has been solid defensively, which has allowed them to dictate the flow of the series.
The Raptors have all the momentum in the series and should handle business today. Hitting their stride defensively and having a two-headed monster in Kawhi and Pascal Siakam offensively have proved to be too much for this Magic team. Toronto needs to capitalize on this opportunity and get the series-clinching win.
The Raptors wouldn’t want to fumble away a chance to close out the series and have a Game 6 in Orlando. A young team like the Magic would be jumping at the chance to potentially come back and make this a longer series than it needs to be.
The Scotiabank Arena will be ready for the Raptors to put an end to this series, as they can rest and prepare for a second-round matchup that will won’t be against LeBron James for once.
Rest and Preparation
The most important aspect about having the Magic gone in five games for the Raptors is the rest they’d be able to give their players. Due to the lopsided first-round series around the NBA, the second round of the NBA playoffs could move up from starting on April 29th to April 27th. That means fewer days of rest for a Toronto team that could very well use the extra days.
Having some time to rest at home before Games 1 and 2 in Toronto would be huge. Playing at home has proven to be beneficial for the Raptors, as they were tied third in the league with a 32-9 home record.
The rest, along with the extra time to prepare, will be greatly appreciated against a Philadelphia 76ers team that is looking to close out their series against the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers have played well offensively, having the third highest offensive rating among playoff teams (117.2).
The inside game the Sixers play with is sure to make it another physical series, so resting up is essential. Ben Simmons has gotten in rhythm in the paint and if Joel Embiid‘s knee feels ok, he will be a physical presence the Raptors will need to account for.
The Raptors have not been playing a particularly deep rotation. If any team needs rest ahead of round two, it’s them.
With looks to be like a date with Philly coming up, the Raptors need to continue their defensive dominance and end this series on Tuesday. Having an extended series will only put pressure on Toronto as the playoff schedule becomes more difficult. If they can get the victory and finish the series, they can get some useful rest before they take on Embiid and the Sixers.