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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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Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

2. Philadelphia 76ers

While this series, similar to the Pacers one, is highly unlikely, it isn’t impossible. With the way this season has gone for the Sixers, it’s entirely possible that they could find themselves in the six seed come playoff time. And if the Raptors slide down to the three seed, we could have a wildly entertaining first-round series on our hands.

In my opinion, this series would be somewhat of a coin flip. Although the Sixers have had their fair share of problems this season, they still have so many weapons. In the past, the Raptors and Marc Gasol have certainly had the Sixers and Joel Embiid’s number but that could all change if the Sixers are able to ‘flip the switch’ come playoff time.

The Raptors actually match up pretty well with the Sixers defensively with Gasol on Embiid, Siakam on Al Horford, Van Vleet on Josh Richardson, Anunoby on Tobias Harris and Lowry on Ben Simmons. But the Sixers also matchup just as well.

If the Sixers want to take down the defending champs in this year’s playoffs they would need Embiid to overcome the challenge of being guarded by Marc Gasol and absolutely dominate all series long. If that doesn’t happen for Embiid, I don’t see a scenario in which the Sixers come out on top.

The one advantage the Raptors have in this series is experience. The Raptors got the best of the Sixers in last year’s playoffs and they have the confidence of winning an NBA championship.

This series would be an absolute dog fight for just the first round, but if we do see this happen, I’d predict the Raptors come out on top once again in seven games.

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