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Toronto Raptors: Ranking prospective playoff opponents in terms of favourability

By Nate Friesen

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors signals to a teammate during the first half of an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 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 - FEBRUARY 10: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors signals to a teammate during the first half of an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 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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Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers /

3. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are the first team on this list that could actually give the Raptors a run for their money. While it is unlikely these teams face in the first round of the playoffs, it is possible. The most likely scenario would be if the Pacers remained in the six seed and the Raptors slid down to the three seed, we could see this series come to fruition.

The Pacers have so many options offensively in addition to their above-average defense. Over the last few weeks, the Pacers have been trying to re-integrate Victor Oladipo into the lineup which has been difficult for them. However, when they figure it out, this team could cause problems for a lot of teams.

Not only does Oladipo drastically improve the offensive ceiling for the Pacers, but he also really improves their defense. A closing lineup consisting of Brogdon, Oladipo, Warren, Sabonis and Turner is a force to be reckoned with.

However, I believe the Raptors would still likely come out on top. They just have too many offensive weapons for the Pacers to deal with. The biggest advantage the Raptors would have would be Pascal Siakam.

The Pacers lack an athletic wing that could hang with Siakam which would cause a lot of problems for them. Siakam scoring at will against the likes of T.J. Warren, Damontas Sabonis and Myles Turner would be a sight to see and would likely be the deciding factor in this series.

In the case that this series actually happens, I think it would be a good one. However, I think the defending champs would still come out on top in a tough six-game series.

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