Keels, who just declared for the draft, has some nice mechanics on his jumper and profiles as a solid shooter at the next level.

Keels’ efficiency was not ideal, as he made just 42% of his shots and 31% of his 3-pointers despite his shot being one of his best assets.

With Svi Mykhailiuk falling out of the rotation early in the season, Toronto lacked that perimeter sparkplug that can come in to hit a couple of 3-pointers and be a reliable presence on the wing.

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With Joel Embiid nursing a thumb injury and James Harden not providing the same levels of offensive brilliance as he did in Houston, Nick Nurse’s squad was able to stay alive in Game 4 and completely shut down Philly’s offense in Game 5.

Toronto must still be wary of Philadelphia’s star power, but these last few games have crystallized the fact that they are capable of looking the 76ers dead in the face and pulling out a victory.

Toronto has a good shot at winning this game, as they have shown renewed defensive vigor over the next two games.

If either one of them gets hot, this series could come to a close and send Toronto home for the offseason.

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While conference jewel Kentucky was upset by Saint Peter’s in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, teams like Arkansas and Auburn were able to show the strength of their group.

Toronto themselves are in the market for more backup point guard talent, shooters that will give Gary Trent Jr.

Ellis is a very Raptors-like prospect due to his ability to guard multiple positions on defense despite his gangly, frail frame.

Ellis spent two years at a junior college before arriving in Tuscaloosa, so he might not offer as much developmental upside as some of the players he could be drafted alongside.

Ellis should be expected to come right in and make an impact on the Raptors thanks to his shooting and feistiness on defense.

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Luckily for Toronto, some unusual lineup combinations and a renewed focus on making sure that the irritated Embiid did not get to the free-throw line did wonders for them in a Game 4 victory.

Toronto does not have VanVleet healthy, but the 76ers will go into this series with Embiid limited by a crippling injury as well.

The 76ers have proven to be a tough out thanks to names like Tyrese Maxey making life hell for Toronto’s collection of youngsters, but Game 4 showed that the formula for beating this Philadelphia team is there.

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As is usually the case, one of the biggest keys to victory will be limiting the free throw attempts of Joel Embiid and James Harden, who can both hurt teams in enough ways as it is.

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With so many key contributors out in this game, Toronto needs to lean on the strength that one of the craziest and most passionate fanbases in North American sports can provide in their first home playoff game since 2019.

If there’s any game in this series Toronto is going to win, this is the one.

Toronto could take advantage of Matisse Thybulle being unable to play if their offense can get hot early.

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While it looked like Cleveland Cavaliers standout Evan Mobley had the award all locked up earlier in the season, Barnes’ second-half surge and role on a Raptors team that earned the No.

While ballots are already in, we won’t know the final tally for a few more weeks.

Based on the 42 confirmed first-place voted votes that have already been made public so far, Barnes has 18 and Mobley is in first with 21.

Keep in mind that those numbers came in an offense where he is often the No.

Cunningham has been a stud, but his numbers are a bit more hollow than Barnes by virtue of playing for one of the worst teams in the league.

Barnes hasn’t had a perfect season, but he’s been everything that the Raptors could have possibly expected.

With the winning impact of Mobley and the statistical prowess of Cunningham all wrapped up in one package, Barnes has established himself as the clear frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race.

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The Cameroonian star is averaging 27.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game in his last 10 contests.

Simmons agreed with Ryen Rusillo’s take that there is a massive drop-off in talent at the forward position this year.

Between Siakam and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have found it difficult to get individual praise from the mainstream basketball media despite smashing all of the low expectations set for this team in the preseason.

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His pesky turnover creation and non-stop effort are two of the main reasons the Raptors can be such a tough out.

In an interview with OverDrive, VanVleet said that some of the players at All-Star weekend voted the Raptors as their least favorite team to play against.

When Nurse can conceivably create a lineup of entirely 6-9 players, navigating that long group might prove tough for smaller ball-handlers.

The Raptors may not have a ton of physical marvels on the roster, but Nurse put this roster together by adhering to the principle of length and mobility being more difficult to score against than height.

Not only is this making him the lynchpin in Toronto’s swarming defense, but it’s made him a legit All-Defensive Team candidate.

The Raptors take pride in being as annoying as possible, as this style of attack has helped them become one of the most successful teams in the league against high seeds.

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Those three standouts are the favorites to take home the Rookie of the Year award this season, though Barnes’ case has gotten even stronger in the last few weeks.

Even though Barnes is averaging 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for a raptors team that will make it to the postseason as either the No.

While postseason success isn’t often considered a determining factor in the Rookie of the Year race, Barnes’ play in crunch time has to be recognized.

Despite the fact he is getting more shots without Jarrett Allen, Mobley has topped 13 points just once since March 16.

Barnes is the first rookie since Luka Doncic to average 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game.

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