Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors: 5 storylines to follow

As the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors prepare for the second round of the NBA Playoffs, here are five storylines to follow

The second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs should feature plenty of drama, specifically as the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers prepare to square off with a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals on the line.

During the regular season, the Raptors beat the 76ers three out of four times. However, Tobias Harris did not play in any their regular season matchups. In the one game that the 76ers won, the 76ers had three players with over 20 points and their bench scored 39 points.

While the Raptors have more depth on their roster than the 76ers, the 76ers certainly have more top end talent. The Raptors, this season, have seven players averaging over 9 PPG. However, the 76ers feature four legitimate All-Stars on their roster.

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Here are five storylines to follow as the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors prepare to begin their Eastern Conference Semifinals series.

Can Joel Embiid stay healthy?

Joel Embiid was somewhat on a minutes restriction during the first round of the playoffs, but the Raptors are much better than the Nets. If the 76ers are going to beat the Raptors, they’re going to need a healthy Embiid throughout the series.

Against the Nets in the first round, Embiid averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks per game in just 19 minutes per game. Which is pretty impressive in itself. Embiid is definitely the best center in the NBA right now but will be tested against the Raptors who feature Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka on the frontline.

If healthy, Joel Embiid is unstoppable and the 76ers have a solid chance of winning the series, but at this point, that’s no longer a foregone conclusion.

Kyle Lowry vs. Ben Simmons

In the past, Kyle Lowry has been known for shrinking in the playoffs and being a liability to the Raptors. So far, however, Kyle Lowry is averaging 11.4 points per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 32 percent from 3-point range in this year’s playoffs.

The Raptors, though, are going to need more from Kyle Lowry if they are going to advance to the Conference Finals.

The matchup between Ben Simmons and Kyle Lowry will be critical in the second round. It’s going to be interesting to see what cross-matchups we see as due to their size difference it would be unlikely to see them guard each other on both ends of the floor.

In past games, the Raptors have had to utilize Kawhi Leonard to help guard and stop Ben Simmons.

Will we see an aggressive Ben Simmons?

While Ben Simmons has his issues with his jump shot, there’s no denying his talent as a player. And when he’s aggressive, coupled with Embiid, the 76ers have arguably the best two-way tandem in the Eastern Conference.

In the first round, Simmons averaged 17 points and eight assists on 64 percent shooting from the field. Specifically, in Game 3 with Embiid out with an injury, Simmons dropped 31 points on 84 percent shooting from the field. He was just as good on the defensive end, posting three blocks and two steals too. All in all, it was the best playoff performance of his career to date.

Question is, which Ben Simmons will we see in this series?

Can Kawhi keep his momentum heading into the second round?

Through the first round, Kawhi Leonard is putting together his best playoff performance yet. So far in round one, Kawhi is averaging 27.8 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 54 percent from 3-point range.

He’s been so good in the playoffs that Kendrick Perkins said that Kawhi reminds him of Michael Jordan. Can he carry that into the series against the Sixers?

That will be objective No. 1 for the Sixers, stopping Kawhi. Expect Philly to use a combination of Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler to try and stop Kawhi. However, as we’ve seen thus far in the playoffs, that has proven to be easier said than done.

Will Pascal Siakam slow down?

Pascal Siakam played sensationally well in the first round. Pascal Siakam averaged 23 points and eight rebounds on 53 percent shooting from the field. If Toronto is going to get by the talent-filled Sixers, they’re going to need Siakam to continue his hot play.

Against the 76ers, Pascal Siakam will likely be guarded by Tobias Harris and Mike Scott. Scott has proven to be a tough defender in the playoffs so far, but few teams have had success trying to stop Siakam so far this season.