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Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to series vs. Magic

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

2. Utilize matchup strengths

As mentioned before, the Magic have a lot of length and athleticism on their roster, which can be troublesome for the Raptors on the offensive end. Furthermore, being able to drive in the lane looking for calls will decrease, meaning more importance will be placed on creating for teammates and getting good looks.

During the season, they were at 5.4 percent in cut frequency to end the year, which was good for 29th in the league. A large reason was the addition of Patrick McCaw (currently hurt) and the playmaking ability of pass happy big, Marc Gasol.

They were at 1.267 points per possession when a created play ended with a player cutting to the basket (16th), and as good as Orlando’s defense has been, they are 1.245 points per possession allowed for cuts (12th). This is one area of weakness to exploit that Toronto’s wing players jump on to help spread the floor for an easy bucket, utilizing Danny Green, Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell in this role (OG Anunoby is out hurt for the foreseeable future).

Another weakness in the Magic’s wall of defense is the ability to cover spot-up shooters. They allow 1.017 points per possession (17th) in this particular category, while the Raptors — more specifically Lowry, Leonard, Green, and Fred VanVleet — flourish, at 1.048 points per possession (fifth) and 0.978 points per possession off screens (13th).

Defensively, the Raptors are more than capable of matching Orlando’s intensity, which will be troublesome for a team that can be streaky on offensive at times, especially from beyond the arc. Since the addition of Gasol, the Raptors are the best 3-point shooting team in the league, on the fourth-most 3s attempted.

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