The NSL Playoffs are underway after a much-anticipated opening weekend, and the energy couldn�t be higher. Only 16 elite individuals in the world get to be a par of the best post season in fantasy sports, and these GM�s are going to bring their best each and every game.

A little behind schedule, so we get the advantage of taking game one into perspective while we preview the rest of the Detroit vs. Toronto clash.  

 

How We Got Here:                                                                                                      

One of the more interesting story lines all season long has been the home and away vaccination status with Kyrie Irving, and how that would affect him and his team, the Detroit Pistons, in the post season. Well, that narrative gets to be solved now, so a ton of eyes will be on Kyrie during the Pistons first round matchup with the Toronto Raptors.

Both teams were able to avoid the play in in a top loaded Eastern Conference. The Detroit Pistons come in to the post season as the number 2 seed at 60-22, while the Raptors slide in at the six spot at 43-39.

Will the talented wing duo in Toronto made up of DeMar DeRozan and Paul George be enough to keep Kyrie and Co in check?

Wil the Pistons show that they were the true one seed all along and dispatch a very talented Raptors team quickly? We�ll know in a few short days, and we�ve already gotten a little taste as Detroit was able to win game one 103-85. Let�s look at the matchups.

 

Point Guard:

Fred VanVleet vs. Kyrie Irving

As much as we al love a good underdog story, this isn�t where it�s going to happen. VanVleet was admirable in game one for the Raptors, but even his efficient 19 wasn�t nearly enough to lift the Raptors over the heavy favorites. Kyrie didn�t play entirely well and tallied 25, with a crazy +/- of 26. If the Raptors have a shot, it�s not going to come form this matchup.

Advantage: Detroit

Shooting Guard:

Paul George vs. Andre Iguodala

What a legacy matchup, huh? I know, I know. Iggy played the point in game one. I think Detroit may rethink that strategy to coral Paul George a bit, but I guess it�s a little bit of pick your poison as Kyrie probably isn�t going to limit he or Fred very much� Anyway, onward we go.

It�s no secret that if the Raptors want a chance in this series, DDR and PG have to play elite, inspired basketball. I think PG gave you about all you could ask for in game one, so I think the Raptors are feeling good about this  match up, and I am too.

Advantage: Toronto

Small Forward:

DeMar DeRozan vs. Dillon Brooks

Alright, I�m pretty familiar with Brooks during his time in Golden State, and we appreciate his service but� definitely didn�t expect him to stifle DeMar as he did in game one. However, DeMar wasn�t necessarily inefficient, he just lacked volume. Which makes you think� could there be a playbook change on the horizon and if so how would it effect the wing play in this game? DeMar is the key, I think we all agree he�s a better player than Brooks. This series will depend on if Toronto can figure out how to unlock playoff DeMar.

Advantage: Toronto

Power Forward:

DeMarcus Cousins vs. Edrice Adebayo

The Raptors don�t have a bad front court by any means� but they�re simply no match for the Piston�s towers. DeMarcus Cousins is a fine player, and even a serviceable starter even at this point in his career, but BAM showed us in game one why he�s easily the better player. I admittedly did expect Cousins to struggle against BAM, but maybe not this much. The Piston�s big man was dominant in game one, although DeMarcus was Toronto�s leading rebounder. Cousins will give it his all, and it will be admirable, but BAM is the clear advantage here.

Advantage: Detroit

Center:

Ivica Zubac vs. Rudy Gobert

I was under the impression that the Pistons would rely on Rudy in this matchup heavily to dominate the less athletic Zubac. I guess he didn�t get the memo, but it also could have been by design. 15 and 16 in the regular season is what we came to expect from Rudy, but 6 and 10 is a far cry from that. Zubac did his job limiting Rudy in game one, and if he can continue to do so in the series, he could give his Raptors an unexpected edge in this matchup. However, I�m not buying that until I see it. Rudy is still the better player and I think will show that as the series moves on.

Advantage: Detroit

Bench:

The Pistons almost win here just by sheer numbers, but we�ll dig a little deeper. It�s really a shame that 2K Brook Lopez doesn�t translate from NBA Brook Lopez because he�d probably be the best bench player in the series pretty easily. In steps the trio of Tristan Thompson, Jakob Poeltl and Dennis Schroder. The trio is a fine bench unit that will not leave you weak on the boards and provides just enough of a scoring punch to be dangerous.

Advantage: Detroit

Prediction:

I think a little more goes into this than meets the eye. I think it�s quite plausible that the Raptors can put DeMar DeRozan in a better position to score in his spots, and for the Raptors to rally around that scoring and make these games a bit closer. If Toronto can find anyway to limit Kyrie Irving at all I think they may be able to steal a game or two, but it�s going to hinge on that and DeMar�s ability to get going. Udonis Haslem may have to go for 50 if DeMar can�t get the ball more.