This year's iteration of the Raptors has already set the franchise record for wins, but consecutive flameouts in the playoffs has raised the level of skepticism. Can Kyle Lowry and company shake the perception of an underperforming playoff team?
(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Indiana Pacers
Game 1 – Pacers 100, Raptors 90
Game 2 – Raptors 98, Pacers 87
Game 3 – Raptors 101, Pacers 85
Game 4 – Pacers 100, Raptors 83
Game 5 – Tuesday at Toronto TBD
Game 6 – Friday at Indiana TBD
Game 7 – May 1 at Toronto TBD (If necessary)
Season series: Toronto won 3-1
Raptors starting lineup: G Kyle Lowry (21.2 ppg, 6.4 apg);G DeMar DeRozan (23.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg); G Norman Powell (5.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg); F Luis Scola (8.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg); C Jonas Valanciunas (12.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg).
Pacers starting lineup: G George Hill (12.1 ppg, 3.1 apg); G Monta Ellis (13.8 ppg, 4.7 apg); F Paul George (23.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg); F Lavoy Allen (5.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg); C Ian Mahinmi (9.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg).
Raptors win if: Toronto has the edge talent-wise in this series, but their success in slowing Paul George will determine how long this series lasts. Defensive stalwart DeMarre Carroll returned from a lingering knee injury just before the playoffs. His minutes will be closely monitored, while Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will be responsible for running one of the top-five offenses in the league. Those two, along with Terrence Ross, have a penchant for firing from deep and could overwhelm a Pacer offense that resides in the bottom third of the NBA. Additionally, Valanciunas, who’s fouled out twice in the last three weeks, must avoid costly fouls while battling Indiana’s superior frontcourt depth.
Pacers win if: Paul George averaged 22.6 points and 7.6 rebounds the postseason before his horrific leg injury. That he’s come back this regular season and posted nearly identical numbers is remarkable, but the Pacers need help from all angles, especially with George likely to get all the attention from Toronto’s defense. Of the Monta Ellis-C.J. Miles-George Hill trio, one must play better than their role player status. Since his torrid run around the All-Star break, Myles Turner has seemingly hit the rookie wall. Just what type of production Indiana might get from their rookie remains a giant unknown. That being said, the Pacers have made deep postseason runs before – something the Raptors can’t claim.
Need to know: The Raptors, who set their franchise record for wins this season, haven’t won a postseason series since 2001.
The Pacers lead the NBA with 21 losses this season in games where they were ahead or behind by three points or less during the final minute of regulation.
Sam Amick's pick: Raptors in 6; Jeff Zillgitt's pick: Raptors in 6
