2019 NBA Playoffs: Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic preview

Predictions

Only five upsets have ever occurred in this 2-7 matchup the history of the NBA playoffs, and only one has managed to do so following the NBA’s transition to a best-of-seven first-round series in 2003. It just doesn’t often happen for obvious reasons.

Toronto has seen some massive upgrades to its roster both internally and externally. Kawhi is a legitimate top-10 player capable of functioning as the best guy on a championship-contending team. Siakam has developed beyond anyone’s wildest imaginations into a Swiss Army knife at both ends.

This team is long and athletic. It can match up against any type of offense thrown its way with versatility across the board with an offense that’s seen incredible improvement since the addition of Gasol, whose passing and facilitating from the center position has added a new dimension to the playbook.

This is Orlando’s first postseason appearance since 2012, ending a six-year playoff drought. Just getting to this point has already made the season a huge success and a possible stepping-stone to better things next year.

In the present, the Magic have what it takes to really make the Raptors work for everything on the offensive end. In their four meetings during the regular season, Toronto only averaged 99.8 points per game and shot just 41.2 percent from the field. How much that translates to the playoffs remains to be seen, but it as good a start as there is for Orlando to work with.

Ultimately, though, the Magic simply don’t have enough offensive firepower to match whatever their production defensively may turn out to be. Meanwhile, the Raptors are too good at both ends with the best player on the court in Leonard. They’re in pursuit of a championship, and it’s a journey that won’t see an end this early.

Prediction: Raptors in 5 games