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

3. The centers

By trading for Marc Gasol, the Raptors ensured that they have a top defensive-minded center on the court at all times. On paper, this seems like a great move, but it has to be tested first in order to mark it as a genius move or as a failure.

Going up against the Orlando Magic was the first test for the team’s centers. Unfortunately for the Magic, Nikola Vucevic was nowhere to be found throughout the series, proving to be little trouble for Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka.

After dominating that frontcourt showdown, they are now set to face the best center in the league in Joel Embiid, who has the ability to cause tons of problems for the opposing centers. But every player has an Achilles heel, and in Joel’s case, his weak spot is his inability to consistently stay healthy.

By constantly rotating Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, head coach Nick Nurse can force Embiid into exhaustion, which would lead to him spending more time on the bench while also enhancing his game-to-game fatigue.

Limiting Embiid’s presence is without a doubt the key to defeating the 76ers. Even though they have a starting five of either All-Stars or borderline All-Stars, Embiid has been the only consistent player game in and game out.