NBA Playoffs: 6 X-factors for Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 08: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 08, 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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NBA playoffs, Raptors, Nets (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

Jarrett Allen

To look at Jarrett Allen’s increasing impact on the game, check out his game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He grabbed six offensive rebounds against Jusuf Nurkic and a Blazers team desperate to win to secure the eight seed.

Allen is finally getting an opportunity to get a full starter’s load. After averaging under 30 minutes per game in each of his first three seasons things have changed in the bubble. The 22-year-old is averaging 15.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks in 34.1 minutes per game. Of the players remaining in the NBA bubble, he is third in offensive rebounding percentage and eighth in defensive rebounding percentage.

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These are not empty stats. He is a game-changer on the glass and creates extra possessions for his team. While Toronto has more size to cause issues for him than most teams, Brooklyn is actually a better rebounding team than Toronto. They rank second in defensive rebounding (Toronto is seventh) and ninth in offensive rebounding (Toronto is 24th).

Allen, like Harris, is looking to audition in this playoff series. It has been widely publicized that Irving and Durant wanted DeAndre Jordan to start in Brooklyn. Much like Caris LeVert already has, it is Jarrett Allen’s time to shine.

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