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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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Miami Heat
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

1. Miami Heat

The only real way this series happens is if either the Toronto Raptors or Miami Heat have an absolute collapse down the stretch this season. The Raptors would need to drop down to the four or five seed or the Heat would need to drop down to the six or seven seed. If that does happen, we could be in for one of the best first-round series in a long time.

The Heat upgraded their wing depth in a big way at the trade deadline which could be very helpful in a matchup against the Raptors come playoff time. With the likes of Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, Andre Iguodala and even Solomon Hill on the wings, the Miami Heat can throw a lot of guys at Pascal Siakam and company.

This series would be an interesting test for both Siakam and the Raptors. Is Siakam going to be able to overcome relentless defense from veteran after veteran? Or are the Raptors going to have to turn to Kyle Lowry et al. to take over on offense? This would be very fascinating to watch.

On the other hand, if all those guys are keyed in on stopping Siakam, who’s guarding Lowry? Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro would get absolutely exposed by Kyle Lowry. And who’s guarding Jimmy Butler for the Toronto Raptors? OG Anunoby? Siakam?

There are a lot of questions I’d like answered. Let’s hope we get to see this series take place, if not in round one, maybe later.

If this series does take place in the first round, I think it would honestly come down to who has home-court advantage. Whichever team has home-court advantage will take the series victory in seven hard-fought games.

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