X-Factors
The one guy I haven’t really mentioned on the Raptors is Pascal Siakam, who actually may be the biggest x-factor in this series (on Toronto’s side anyway).
The rising star has had a solid playoff run thus far, though he has seen a dip in his scoring efficiency. But he has been doing all the other little things it takes to win, including having some huge defensive plays in the conference finals. So if he can continue to do that, as well as be a threat to hit shots, then Toronto’s game completely opens up and they become that much harder to beat.
It’s going to be even more important in this series, however, for him to make shots (especially corner threes). This is assuming that Draymond Green is going to be the primary defender on Siakam because what that would do is draw Draymond away from the basket and would stop him from being able to roam around the paint, providing help defense. This would take away one of Golden State’s biggest defensive strengths and make it easier for everyone else on Toronto to score!
Just like with the Warriors, another big x-factor for Canada’s team is going to be when Kevin Durant comes back because if he misses extended time (possibly the whole series), the Raptors could legitimately pull off the upset!
Here’s why…
Although the Dubs swept the Blazers in the conference finals, Portland led by double digits for significant stretches in three of the four games. Now while Golden State is better equipped than anyone to erase leads, consistently playing from behind is not a sustainable, winning style of play, especially when facing a team like Toronto, led by a guy like Kawhi.
So, if the Raptors can capitalize on KD’s absence like Portland couldn’t (easier said than done), they could put the defending champs in a series hole that they would struggle to climb out of, even with a healthy Durant.