NBA Playoffs: Storylines, predictions for Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

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NBA Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Pascal Siakam as the No. 1 option

Pascal Siakam emerged as a strong second (or third, depending on who you ask) option for the Toronto Raptors behind Kawhi Leonard. However, as the NBA playoffs quickly approach, he’ll be asked to be the leading man this time around – with the help of Kyle Lowry, and understandably so.

With that said, if the Raptors are going to make a deep run they’re going to need Siakam to play a big role. He’s going to have to be the team’s leading scorer and best defender on most nights. After a season in which he averaged 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from 3-point range, Siakam is somewhat expected to shine in the playoffs.

However, there are some questions about it. As we’ve seen time and time again in the NBA, performing at a high level in the regular season is completely different than doing it in the postseason. Siakam has the experience and should be ready to break out in the playoffs as the team’s No. 1 option.

It’s time for him to actually do it.