Read on Twitter
THREAD: #RAPTORS/ #CELTICS 
begins Sunday! Playoffs are all about MATCHUPS - let's dive deep into how these teams stack up.
PG: KYLE LOWRY v KEMBA WALKER
In season, Lowry & Tatum guarded each other; Kemba FVV. Smart replacing Hayward *might* change those matchups. #NBAPlayoffs
begins Sunday! Playoffs are all about MATCHUPS - let's dive deep into how these teams stack up.PG: KYLE LOWRY v KEMBA WALKER
In season, Lowry & Tatum guarded each other; Kemba FVV. Smart replacing Hayward *might* change those matchups. #NBAPlayoffs
KYLE LOWRY (Prefers R)
• Creates space w step-backs
• LEADS NBA IN CHARGES DRAWN, pitbull, HEART of the team
• PUJIT as well as off PNR
• ALWAYS probing, tries to get underneath you
• Will run some pindowns from L side
• VERY skilled, 3s off variety of actions
#WeTheNorth
• Creates space w step-backs
• LEADS NBA IN CHARGES DRAWN, pitbull, HEART of the team
• PUJIT as well as off PNR
• ALWAYS probing, tries to get underneath you
• Will run some pindowns from L side
• VERY skilled, 3s off variety of actions
#WeTheNorth
KEMBA WALKER (ALMOST ALWAYS COMES BACK TO R HAND)
• TOUGH SHOT MAKER w/ DEEP RANGE
• Can attack him in post
• Excellent spot-up, good off pins
• Dame-type ability to stop on a dime off PNR for 3s
• HUGE variety of dribble moves to attack but wants to get back R
#BleedGreen
• TOUGH SHOT MAKER w/ DEEP RANGE
• Can attack him in post
• Excellent spot-up, good off pins
• Dame-type ability to stop on a dime off PNR for 3s
• HUGE variety of dribble moves to attack but wants to get back R
#BleedGreen
SWB Edge: 50/50
2 tremendous competitors w underdog mentalities. Lowry scrappier defensively, Kemba more skilled offensively. Health could swing this in Kemba's favor, but if healthy Lowry has done well guarding Tatum. Super skilled WINNERS that should both have great moments.
2 tremendous competitors w underdog mentalities. Lowry scrappier defensively, Kemba more skilled offensively. Health could swing this in Kemba's favor, but if healthy Lowry has done well guarding Tatum. Super skilled WINNERS that should both have great moments.
SG: FRED VANVLEET V MARCUS SMART
FVV matched up w Kemba in season, but Smart replaces Hayward in the starting lineup. Smart may be the preferred Lowry matchup, but I would expect FVV to still guard Kemba at times. Both players are combos & will spend a lot of time at PG as well.
FVV matched up w Kemba in season, but Smart replaces Hayward in the starting lineup. Smart may be the preferred Lowry matchup, but I would expect FVV to still guard Kemba at times. Both players are combos & will spend a lot of time at PG as well.
FRED VANVLEET (Prefers L)
• Hugely underrated defender; competes ass off, always in stance/right spot
• ELITE spot-up
• Great handle, can finish w both but likes L hand
• Plays almost like poor man's Steph - creates own shot w handle, DEEP range off PNR, flies off pindowns
• Hugely underrated defender; competes ass off, always in stance/right spot
• ELITE spot-up
• Great handle, can finish w both but likes L hand
• Plays almost like poor man's Steph - creates own shot w handle, DEEP range off PNR, flies off pindowns
MARCUS SMART
• Versatile offensively; likes floater/short pull-up, active cutter, crashes glass, will post some
• ALL-NBA DEFENDER--relentless GRIT, 50/50 balls, charges, backtaps/strips
• Inconsistent 3PT shooter, take temperature
• GREAT FEEL for game, secondary playmaker
• Versatile offensively; likes floater/short pull-up, active cutter, crashes glass, will post some
• ALL-NBA DEFENDER--relentless GRIT, 50/50 balls, charges, backtaps/strips
• Inconsistent 3PT shooter, take temperature
• GREAT FEEL for game, secondary playmaker
SWB Edge: 60/40 VanVleet
FVV the vastly superior offensively player, Smart the superior defensive player. Don't sleep on FVV's D - one of best help defenders in NBA & backs down from NO ONE. MS will bring ruggedness & SNEAKY playmaking, but needs to control emotions, make shots.
FVV the vastly superior offensively player, Smart the superior defensive player. Don't sleep on FVV's D - one of best help defenders in NBA & backs down from NO ONE. MS will bring ruggedness & SNEAKY playmaking, but needs to control emotions, make shots.
SF OG ANUNOBY V JAYLEN BROWN
OG guarded Hayward prior, so TOR will have to decide if they want his length on someone like Smart or maybe even upgrade him to Tatum, esp if Lowry is out. Brown matched w Siakam, but in BOS heavy-switching schemes will end up guarding 1-4 plenty.
OG guarded Hayward prior, so TOR will have to decide if they want his length on someone like Smart or maybe even upgrade him to Tatum, esp if Lowry is out. Brown matched w Siakam, but in BOS heavy-switching schemes will end up guarding 1-4 plenty.
OG ANUNOBY (SLASHER)
• Will try to bring energy, threat to OREB
• Sneakily 39% from 3 but confidence wavers, MUST FLY OFF CORNER 3
• Play mainly as a slasher - will backcut, catch & go, etc.
• Stronger finisher going R but seems to prefer catch-and-go from L side
@OAnunoby
• Will try to bring energy, threat to OREB
• Sneakily 39% from 3 but confidence wavers, MUST FLY OFF CORNER 3
• Play mainly as a slasher - will backcut, catch & go, etc.
• Stronger finisher going R but seems to prefer catch-and-go from L side
@OAnunoby
JAYLEN BROWN (STRAIGHT LINE DRIVER)
• High motor, great activity on both ends. Plays passing lanes
• Rim runs, cuts, OREBs
• Can get own shot off from 3 & midrange
• High IQ, capable ballhandler but not a great passer
• Good spot-up shooter
• Capable driving both ways
• High motor, great activity on both ends. Plays passing lanes
• Rim runs, cuts, OREBs
• Can get own shot off from 3 & midrange
• High IQ, capable ballhandler but not a great passer
• Good spot-up shooter
• Capable driving both ways
SWB Edge: 65/35 Brown
Breakout year for both & Brown is a good guy for OG to study. JB is super X-factor, high energy 'winning plays' guy on both ends. OG is trying to fashion himself as a shutdown defender but needs 100% focus to get it done. For now, Brown does it all better.
Breakout year for both & Brown is a good guy for OG to study. JB is super X-factor, high energy 'winning plays' guy on both ends. OG is trying to fashion himself as a shutdown defender but needs 100% focus to get it done. For now, Brown does it all better.
PF PASCAL SIAKAM V JAYSON TATUM
Siakam guarded Jaylen Brown in-season, and I think there's a good chance that's still his matchup. Tatum will either cross-match on Lowry, or use his size to indeed guard Siakam. Two of most improved players in the league this season. #BOSvsTOR
Siakam guarded Jaylen Brown in-season, and I think there's a good chance that's still his matchup. Tatum will either cross-match on Lowry, or use his size to indeed guard Siakam. Two of most improved players in the league this season. #BOSvsTOR
PASCAL SIAKAM (Goes Both Ways)
• LONG defender always a threat in gaps
• Lot of Giannis in his game - ball in his hands a TON. Get back & WALL UP
• Very skilled post player, loves early backdown
• Very good spot-up shooter
@pskills43
• LONG defender always a threat in gaps
• Lot of Giannis in his game - ball in his hands a TON. Get back & WALL UP
• Very skilled post player, loves early backdown
• Very good spot-up shooter
@pskills43
JAYSON TATUM (Prefers Going L)
• Will attack in transition, use size to body way to rim
• Will take & make TOUGH shots, their late-clock creator. Side-step & step-backs
• Wants to face-up in post or go to R shoulder fade
• High volume PNR player, great S-dribble pull-up
• Will attack in transition, use size to body way to rim
• Will take & make TOUGH shots, their late-clock creator. Side-step & step-backs
• Wants to face-up in post or go to R shoulder fade
• High volume PNR player, great S-dribble pull-up
SWB Edge: 51/49 Siakam
Future of the league in GREAT hands. Expect this matchup to go back-and-forth all series. Lot of commonalities in their game - stretch/point 4's w tremendous versatility. Tatum has more killer instinct, Siakam more relentless motor. Basically a coin flip.
Future of the league in GREAT hands. Expect this matchup to go back-and-forth all series. Lot of commonalities in their game - stretch/point 4's w tremendous versatility. Tatum has more killer instinct, Siakam more relentless motor. Basically a coin flip.
C MARC GASOL V DANIEL THEIS
Once again, these teams so similar it's almost scary. This is obviously their matchup as neither can really guard anyone else - Theis will switch a bit more than Gasol. Gasol can facilitate more offense, Theis mixes in some hard rolls. Should be quiet
Once again, these teams so similar it's almost scary. This is obviously their matchup as neither can really guard anyone else - Theis will switch a bit more than Gasol. Gasol can facilitate more offense, Theis mixes in some hard rolls. Should be quiet
MARC GASOL (Fades Both Shoulders)
• Mostly provides spacing by now - LOVES TRAIL 3
• HIGH IQ, great passer & will run some 'Delay' thru him
• Patient in post, crab dribbles to get to either shoulder
• Will basically split game w Ibaka. Best attribute by now is his mind
• Mostly provides spacing by now - LOVES TRAIL 3
• HIGH IQ, great passer & will run some 'Delay' thru him
• Patient in post, crab dribbles to get to either shoulder
• Will basically split game w Ibaka. Best attribute by now is his mind
DANIEL THEIS (SHOOTER)
• Space 5, best at top of key & corners
• 6'8 but athletic, will roll hard @ times
• High-energy, takes charges, moves ball well
• STAY HOME if he catches in post
@dtheis10
• Space 5, best at top of key & corners
• 6'8 but athletic, will roll hard @ times
• High-energy, takes charges, moves ball well
• STAY HOME if he catches in post
@dtheis10
BACKUP 5's: SERGE IBAKA v ENES KANTER, GRANT/ROBERT WILLIAMS
Needs mentioning that Ibaka often finishes games over Gasol/plays more. Potential BIG matchup advantage for TOR. BOS will play motley crew of whoever Stevens feels has best shot @ effective min of Kanter & Williamses.
Needs mentioning that Ibaka often finishes games over Gasol/plays more. Potential BIG matchup advantage for TOR. BOS will play motley crew of whoever Stevens feels has best shot @ effective min of Kanter & Williamses.
SERGE IBAKA (PREFERS L SHOULDER)
• 6/6 LAST 2 GM'S FROM 3; generally above the break
• Rolls more than pops, loves push floater from short roll
• Great spot-up, will take some long 2's
• LEFT SHOULDER in post or will face-up & shoot off jab
• HIGH MOTOR, OREBs
@sergeibaka
• 6/6 LAST 2 GM'S FROM 3; generally above the break
• Rolls more than pops, loves push floater from short roll
• Great spot-up, will take some long 2's
• LEFT SHOULDER in post or will face-up & shoot off jab
• HIGH MOTOR, OREBs
@sergeibaka
ENES KANTER: old-school, will post for L shldr hook usually. Can make a 3 but live w it. Porous defensively.
GRANT WILLIAMS: rugged, only 6'6 so will play some 4. Deep seals, inconsistent shooter, tough defender.
ROBERT WILLIAMS: Lobs & blocks shots.
#KnowYourPersonnel
GRANT WILLIAMS: rugged, only 6'6 so will play some 4. Deep seals, inconsistent shooter, tough defender.
ROBERT WILLIAMS: Lobs & blocks shots.
#KnowYourPersonnel
SWB Edge: 70/30 Raptors
Ibaka over C's 2nd unit is most glaring mismatch of series. Theis may have to play 30+ mins & really outplay Gasol for BOS to have a chance. Starting bigs *should* mostly cancel each other out though, leaving room for Serge to make a HUGE impact for TOR
Ibaka over C's 2nd unit is most glaring mismatch of series. Theis may have to play 30+ mins & really outplay Gasol for BOS to have a chance. Starting bigs *should* mostly cancel each other out though, leaving room for Serge to make a HUGE impact for TOR
OTHER ROTATION:
NORMAN POWELL V SEMI OJELEYE
TERENCE DAVIS V BRAD WANAMAKER
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON V GRANT WILLIAMS*
MATT THOMAS V ROMEO LANGFORD
UNLIKELY:
CHRIS BOUCHER, STANLEY JOHNSON V TACKO FALL, CARSEN EDWARDS
PAT MCCAW V GORDON HAYWARD **
* covered w 5's
** INJURED
NORMAN POWELL V SEMI OJELEYE
TERENCE DAVIS V BRAD WANAMAKER
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON V GRANT WILLIAMS*
MATT THOMAS V ROMEO LANGFORD
UNLIKELY:
CHRIS BOUCHER, STANLEY JOHNSON V TACKO FALL, CARSEN EDWARDS
PAT MCCAW V GORDON HAYWARD **
* covered w 5's
** INJURED
NORMAN POWELL
• MASSIVE leap this yr, playing w great confidence
• 40% 3PT on 5+/gm
• Drives both ways straight line, EXPLOSIVE finisher
• Active backdoor cutter, high energy
SEMI OJELEYE
• Capable corner 3PT shooter
• Good length, motor
• Drives R
SWB Edge: 95/5 Powell
• MASSIVE leap this yr, playing w great confidence
• 40% 3PT on 5+/gm
• Drives both ways straight line, EXPLOSIVE finisher
• Active backdoor cutter, high energy
SEMI OJELEYE
• Capable corner 3PT shooter
• Good length, motor
• Drives R
SWB Edge: 95/5 Powell
TERENCE DAVIS:
• Rookie w confidence of a vet
• 3s & rim, comes in looking for his shot
• Good athlete, quick 1st step
• Not in rotation?
BRAD WANAMAKER:
• Heady vet PG who runs team, makes solid plays
• Solid 3PT, GREAT FT Shooter
• Drives R
SWB Edge: 55/45 Wanamaker
• Rookie w confidence of a vet
• 3s & rim, comes in looking for his shot
• Good athlete, quick 1st step
• Not in rotation?
BRAD WANAMAKER:
• Heady vet PG who runs team, makes solid plays
• Solid 3PT, GREAT FT Shooter
• Drives R
SWB Edge: 55/45 Wanamaker
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON (LEFTY):
• RUGGED, small 4 who tries to overpower you to basket or face & go
• Good feel, playmaker
• CAN'T SHOOT
• CUTS/OREBs
MATT THOMAS:
• SHOOTER! SPOT-UP, OFF PINDOWNS
• MUST be forced to dribble
SWB Edge: N/A. Both likely get blowout minutes
• RUGGED, small 4 who tries to overpower you to basket or face & go
• Good feel, playmaker
• CAN'T SHOOT
• CUTS/OREBs
MATT THOMAS:
• SHOOTER! SPOT-UP, OFF PINDOWNS
• MUST be forced to dribble
SWB Edge: N/A. Both likely get blowout minutes
REST:
BOUCHER: Set shot capable 3PT shooter, long athlete. Good insurance if any TOR big gets hurt. Rolls & rim runs!
LANGFORD: Rookie who - right now - has no idea what he's doing out there
HAYWARD: C's praying for a miracle he plays
MCCAW: Ring streak! Raps OK w/o
OTHERS: No.
BOUCHER: Set shot capable 3PT shooter, long athlete. Good insurance if any TOR big gets hurt. Rolls & rim runs!
LANGFORD: Rookie who - right now - has no idea what he's doing out there
HAYWARD: C's praying for a miracle he plays
MCCAW: Ring streak! Raps OK w/o
OTHERS: No.
OVERALL BENCH SWB EDGE: 85/15 Raps
Both teams notoriously small rotations. Ibaka/Powell better than any C's reserves = big edge. C's likely need major production from a relative unknown. Nurse MAY throw RHJ/Thomas out for a few min but that's it. Stevens likely shortens rotation.
Both teams notoriously small rotations. Ibaka/Powell better than any C's reserves = big edge. C's likely need major production from a relative unknown. Nurse MAY throw RHJ/Thomas out for a few min but that's it. Stevens likely shortens rotation.
If you want to get to know all the starters on YouTube & prefer watching there:
If you enjoyed thread, plz give it a RT so all can lock in! @perkpowe @GwashburnGlobe @Murf56 @ChrisForsberg_ @SteveBHoop @RaptorsHQ @raptorsrepublic @WeTheNorth__ @JLew1050
If you enjoyed thread, plz give it a RT so all can lock in! @perkpowe @GwashburnGlobe @Murf56 @ChrisForsberg_ @SteveBHoop @RaptorsHQ @raptorsrepublic @WeTheNorth__ @JLew1050
NIGHT OWL?? Good call.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BRAD STEVENS & NICK NURSE.
NEW VIDEO: SERIES PREVIEW (Key Plays, Tendencies)
See thread for personnel breakdown & YouTube! #WeTheNorth #BleedGreen @ByJayKing @celticshub @AdamHimmelsbach
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BRAD STEVENS & NICK NURSE.
NEW VIDEO: SERIES PREVIEW (Key Plays, Tendencies)
See thread for personnel breakdown & YouTube! #WeTheNorth
#BleedGreen @ByJayKing @celticshub @AdamHimmelsbach
