What to watch for in Sixers' second-round playoff series against Raptors

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The Sixers are facing the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the NBA playoffs on Saturday night.

Let’s take a look at some fun storylines to keep our eye on before the series gets started:

Joel Embiid vs. Pascal Siakam

At the opening tip of the second round of the NBA playoffs, imagine starting across from the player whose footsteps you mirrored as a child growing up in Cameroon. That’s the nature of the circumstance for Siakam, who, like Embiid, attended both Luc Mbah Moute’s camp and the Basketball Without Borders program.

Jimmy Butler vs. Kyle Lowry

Another pairing that will be fun to watch. Lowry and Butler are really good friends, dating back to Butler’s Chicago days, and that’s definitely not going to stop Butler from going at him. Butler even said he’s already told Lowry that he’ll foul him just like he’d foul anyone else. Should be fun when Butler gets matched up on Lowry.

We might also be in for some fun banter between these two ... remember when Lowry mocked Butler’s headband? Or when Butler FaceTimed Lowry in the locker room after a Timberwolves win?

Giddyup.

Kawhi Leonard vs. Sixers

You’ve all heard about the troubles the Sixers have had in Toronto. The Sixers haven’t won a game at Scotiabank Arena since Nov. 10, 2012.

But, it goes deeper than the Sixers vs. Toronto. The Sixers have never won a game against Leonard. (That’s right — dating back to his San Antonio Spurs days, Leonard is a perfect 13-0 against the Sixers). If the Sixers can take one W home while in Toronto, considerate that a victory that could really give the Sixers the confidence they need in this series. 

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