Toronto Raptors: Nets-Raptors postseason preview

Siakam ready to heat up

Pascal Siakam’s hot and cold play during the seeding games has been a popular topic amongst Raptors fans and reports as of late. However, it feels like Siakam is due for a string of big games and there’s no better time than the present.

Siakam has played very well against Brooklyn this season. In three meetings with the Nets, he’s averaging 22 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.

The bubble version of the Nets has opted to roll with smaller lineups, leaving Jarrett Allen as their lone center. While this strategy has worked out well for the team, Siakam must look to exploit the Nets’ disadvantage in size.

Brooklyn is also without DeAndre Jordan and Taurean Prince, both of whom leave the Nets lacking considerable height and length.

For Siakam, gaining his swagger back is a must in this series. Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry have done a tremendous job of being a one-two primary scoring punch for the Raptors, but they need Siakam to elevate his play.

It doesn’t seem far fetched at all to say Toronto’s ability to have a deep depends on Pascal Siakam finding his grove once again. The 26-year-old’s play in the bubble wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t where it should be.

The Toronto Raptors are at their best when Siakam is at his best too, which is exactly what they’ll need from their All-Star throughout the postseason.