Marc Gasol’s battle with Joel Embiid could be the x-factor in 76ers series Globe_Sports
Gasol hasn’t yet faced Embiid as a Raptor, but the veteran of 11 NBA seasons does have an impressive career record against Embiid.You can try probing Toronto Raptors big man Marc Gasol for insights on how he plans to defend Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid in their playoff series. The Raps’ seven-footer will give you what he gives most opposing centres: very little.
Both teams made bold moves since their last meeting in early February to bolster their rosters before the playoffs. The biggest might well have been Toronto’s acquisition of Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline.If there were any lingering questions about why the Raps traded three players for 34-year-old Gasol – including Jonas Valanciunas – the Spaniard snuffed those out in the first round. He led the smothering of Orlando Magic all-star Nikola Vucevic, who averaged just 11.
Embiid averaged 26.3 points and 11.8 rebounds in the four games against Toronto this season, along with three assists and 1.8 blocks. Embiid’s tough, dominant play at centre had ESPN’s outspoken broadcaster Steven A. Smith proclaiming, “If Joel Embiid is healthy, there’s no answer for him from the Toronto Raptors.”Gasol hasn’t yet faced Embiid as a Raptor, but the veteran of 11 NBA seasons does have an impressive career record against the Cameroonian 76ers star. The two have played against each other five times and Gasol had a hand in holding Embiid to averages of 14.0 points on 34.4-per-cent shooting 12.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Marc Kennedy has helped left-handed curlers adjust their game - Sportsnet.caLefty curler Marc Kennedy adapted his throwing style when he was playing with Kevin Martin and is now helping other southpaws refine their game.
Read more »
How Raptors' Gasol, Green, Leonard have shut down the Magic in GIFs - Sportsnet.caKawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Marc Gasol have been particularly effective shutting down the Magic in the third quarters of Games 1 and 2. Here's a breakdown of their performances in GIFs. (loung_s)
Read more »
Raptors get big win to tie a bow on series with MagicSomewhere between the naming of Nick Nurse as new head coach, the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard and the deal that brought Marc Gasol to Toronto, the Raptors solved their closeout problems.With a wel…
Read more »
Rautins: Raptors must jump on the Magic early to close out seriesRod Black, Jack Armstrong and Leo Rautins break down how important it is for the Raptors to finish their series against the Magic in five games ahead of their second round matchup, how different this year feels with Kawhi Leonard leading the team on both sides of the ball, and the impact Marc Gasol has had for Toronto through four games.
Read more »
Raptors thump Orlando in Game 4, winning 107-85In the span of 73 seconds in the first quarter on Sunday, Kawhi Leonard scored on a driving dunk, a driving layup, and a two-foot dunk on a hand-off from Marc Gasol.
Read more »
Healthy Kawhi scores 34 points as Raptors take 3-1 series lead - TSN.caIn the span of 73 seconds in the first quarter on Sunday, Kawhi Leonard scored on a driving dunk, a driving layup, and a two-foot dunk on a hand-off from Marc Gasol.
Read more »
How Raptors' Leonard, Gasol match up with 76ers' Simmons, Embiid in GIFs - Sportsnet.caIf the Raptors will be successful in the 2nd round, they will have to shut down Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. loung_s looks at how Toronto matches up against the duo in GIFs.
Read more »
Scrum breaks out after Joel Embiid delivers hard foul on Jarrett Allen - Sportsnet.caWatch as a scrum breaks out after Joel Embiid delivers a hard foul on Jarrett Allen, leading to Jimmy Butler and Jared Dudley being ejected.
Read more »
Simmons scores 31 points, 76ers beat Nets without Embiid - Sportsnet.caBen Simmons scored a career playoff-high 31 points, Tobias Harris added 29 points and 16 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers shook off the absence of Joel Embiid to beat the Brooklyn Nets 131-115 on Thursday night for a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.
Read more »
76ers beat Nets in Game 3 without Embiid - TSN.caBen Simmons scored a career playoff-high 31 points, Tobias Harris added 29 points and 16 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers shook off the absence of Joel Embiid to beat the Brooklyn Nets 131-115 on Thursday night for a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.
Read more »