In their first round series of the 2015-16 NBA Playoffs, how can the Indiana Pacers try to upset the Toronto Raptors?
As the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors have enjoyed their best regular season in history. Not only did they reach 50 wins for the first time, but they did so by a clear margin as they soared towards 56, falling just one win shy of the Cleveland Cavaliers. There’s no doubt the Raptors are better than they were a year ago, but is there any way the Indiana Pacers can upset them in the first round?
Before getting started, it’s important to emphasize that this article will look at five ways as to how the Pacers can try to upset the Raptors. This isn’t a prediction that they will or that they should, because the Raptors earned the 2nd seed and 11 more wins than their first round opponents for a reason. Now, they have a great chance to redeem themselves after two first round exits in the last two seasons.
Not to mention, the Raptors won their competitive regular season series against the Pacers 3-1.
With both Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan upping their game, along with some valuable additions last summer to create an extremely well-led unit by head coach Dwane Casey, the Raptors are dangerous. Beyond personal improvements and overall talent, they have great chemistry, which is an asset that not all teams (*cough cough* the Cleveland Cavaliers) have had throughout this season.
So, it won’t be easy to take Toronto down by any means, but there’s still a small chance and the Pacers are far from being a 7th seed that should be overlooked.
Well, let’s get straight to it, looking at the biggest matchup of the series and how the Pacers can look for an advantage.
Next: Paul George controlling DeMar DeRozan