Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to second round series vs. 76ers

After advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the 2019 NBA Playoffs, the Toronto Raptors are set for a clash against one of the top teams in the league.

Even when both the Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers lost their opening playoff games at home, there couldn’t have been many people questioning that their potential matchup in the conference semifinals was inevitable.

This new-look Raptors team certainly set the tone during its first round series against the Orlando Magic, winning in four consecutive games after slipping up in Game 1.

As they appear to be a totally different team than the playoff disappointment we’ve been used to, the Raptors’ mindset is now focused on the 76ers, a team that has proved to be a contender and has perhaps the most stacked starting five in the whole conference.

Throughout the regular season, these teams met four times, with Toronto winning this series 3-1. It should be noted that Kawhi Leonard did not play in the third game, the one that saw the Sixers come out on top.

Both these teams were very active on the trade market in February, as they each traded for big-time players in Marc Gasol and Tobias Harris, respectively. Even though they have yet to face off against each other with these final rosters, the Raptors appear to have the upper hand in this one.

Having the upper hand does not ensure that they will cruise on to the conference finals with ease, however. This is set to be a very exciting series where every possession will matter. Here are five keys for the Toronto Raptors to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in their second round matchup.