3 advantages Raptors have over 76ers in potential playoff matchup

2. Frontcourt Depth

The Raptors went from a critical lack of frontcourt skill to a logjam that makes it difficult for all of Toronto’s reserve to get on the floor. Once you exclude Embiid from the equation, Philly’s depth becomes less scary even with Tobias Harris providing some solid scoring.

For reasons that defy conventional logic, Rivers is giving DeAndre Jordan some serious minutes. Niang has been uninspiring when he is on the floor, and Paul Millsap has quickly become unplayable. Paul Reed rarely gets rotation time despite constant pleading from 76ers fans.

The Toronto Raptors could bang with the 76ers in the paint.

In addition to Barnes and Pascal Siakam in the starting lineup, Toronto has enough bench support to win the non-Embiid minutes. Thad Young can impact the game in a multitude of ways, while Precious Achiuwa has become a viable 3-point shooter. Chris Boucher is somehow averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds per game against Philly this year.

The Raptors might not have that Marc Gasol-type center that can just completely shut Embiid down, but they have enough different looks to throw at the frontcourt to keep Embiid on his toes and punish the 76ers when he comes off the floor. In a long playoff series, that is an invaluable asset.