Ranking Potential Playoff Opponents For The Toronto Raptors
By Justin Rowan
3. Indiana Pacers
The Raptors are 2-1 against the new-look Pacers this season. But while they have had success against them, they still do have one of the best players in the conference in Paul George.
What makes them a desirable matchup:
The Indiana Pacers are a talented team that’s in the middle of a transition. Their roster does not feature many big men outside of rookie Myles Turner and Jordan Hill, while the Raptors’ roster is full of frontcourt depth. While George Hill is a very capable defender, he can’t cover both Lowry and DeRozan, leaving Monta Ellis exposed on the wing.
Assuming Carroll is healthy, the Raptors also have one of the best wing defenders in the NBA capable of making Paul George work. It isn’t an ideal team to face, but it’s still a favorable matchup.
What makes them dangerous:
Paul George is one of the league’s elite small forwards and is capable of making life hell for the opposition on both ends of the floor.
The Pacers also make up for their lack of frontcourt depth with tons of guard depth with Ty Lawson, George Hill, Monta Ellis, Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Miles. If the Pacers go small they can force Toronto’s bigs off of the floor and turn the game into a shootout, one that they are very capable of winning.
Next: Boston Celtics