Finding a favorite won’t pose a challenge for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA playoffs’ second round this year. OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, now with the New York Knicks, narrowly edged past the Philadelphia 76ers and are set to face Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers, starting Monday night.
Anunoby played a pivotal role for the Knicks in the first-round series, notably defending against Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid at critical junctures. His emphatic dunk over Embiid in the fourth quarter sealed the series victory.
Achiuwa, although absent in the Knicks’ recent games, made significant contributions against Embiid in Game 4.
Meanwhile, Siakam emerged as the Pacers’ top scorer against the Bucks, averaging 22.3 points per game. He delivered impressive back-to-back 35-point performances in the series opener before clinching the victory with a 19-point effort in the last game.
Raptors’ standout Scottie Barnes expressed his anticipation for the series on social media, eagerly awaiting the matchup between Anunoby and Siakam.
Although Siakam faced the Knicks twice after joining the Pacers this season, Anunoby missed both encounters. The teams split the games, with Siakam scoring 18 and 19 points, respectively.
However, the first round hasn’t been favorable for Norman Powell, as his Los Angeles Clippers trail 3-2 against the Dallas Mavericks. Another setback, with Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to injury, threatens the Clippers’ postseason prospects.
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