Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Matchup Breakdown
Marc Gasol vs. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is the most dominant center in the NBA.
His physical gifts alone make him a walking double-double who can protect the rim on defense and dominate in the post on offense. His footwork and touch for someone his size are unmatched, and he presents a very serious problem for the Raptors.
Despite Simmons’ complete inability to shoot the ball, the three other Philadelphia starters can knock down shots. If the Raptors are forced to double Embiid in the post, he’s an excellent passer who will find whoever is left open, gifting the 76ers open looks.
Luckily for the Raptors, Embiid’s health is in question, and a nagging knee injury continues to give him problems.
If Embiid plays through it, the Raptors would be wise to attack him on the offensive end, and defensively, to let him shoot from the outside – he’s a 30-percent three-point shooter who doesn’t shy away from attempts.
When Masai Ujiri traded for Marc Gasol at the trade deadline this season, Raptors fans were torn.
Even though Gasol is a former Defensive Player of the Year and perennial All-Star, he’s 34 and not near the player he used to be. Not only that, but the trade decimated the team’s bench unit.
Now, as Raptors fans take a look around and realize that Joel Embiid is standing between them and the conference finals, they aren’t quite as torn anymore. Having Marc Gasol is a luxury in many different respects, but having him to guard Joel Embiid is the greatest luxury by far.
Gasol won’t stop Embiid, but he may be the very best in the league at slowing him down.
Gasol’s post-defense is tops in the league, and despite concerns about his advanced age, he made All-Star Nikola Vucevic‘s life absolutely miserable in the first round against Orlando.
Gasol’s presence gives the Raptors a chance to play Embiid straight up without sending a double team, making the 76ers offense significantly less potent.
On offense, Gasol is a capable three-point shooter, so Embiid will be forced away from the basket, giving Lowry, Leonard and Siakam room to drive.
This matchup will be key to watch and will determine the series.
If Gasol’s post defense/three-point shooting can stop Embiid from dominating on both ends, the Raptors can wrap this up quickly. If Embiid is unfazed by Gasol’s defense, and Gasol doesn’t hit enough shots to drag Embiid away from the rim at least some of the time, the series will be long.