Sixers: What to watch for vs. Raptors in Game 2

What to watch in Sixers-Raptors Game 2: Paul Reed’s ascent

The Sixers were +4 in the 10 minutes Paul Reed played in Game 1. That’s right, the Sixers won the backup center minutes in the NBA playoffs against the Toronto Raptors. Doc Rivers fulfilled his promise to go with Reed against smaller centers, but now comes the next hurdle for Reed and Rivers. It’s time for Reed to be so good the Sixers can’t earnestly consider going back to DeAndre Jordan in potential future series.

Reed’s foul trouble is well documented, but he’s playing at most 10 minutes in any postseason game. That’s not a major concern. You will take the mistakes if they stem from elite effort and aggression, whereas Jordan’s mistakes stem from apathy.

Despite picking up four fouls in Game 1, Reed was his typically effective self. He grabbed three rebounds, a steal, and a block in his brief time on the court. He has that Robert Covington gene — deflections come naturally, his relentless effort serving as a ball magnet. Reed just forces his way into plays and makes the opposing offense second-guess passes or shots around the paint. He doesn’t fall asleep, he doesn’t have “lapses” in concentration. If he picks up a foul, it’s because he’s right in the thick of things making a play on the ball.

The backup center minutes have long held the Sixers back in the postseason. The Andre Drummond trade created quite a panic around the fanbase, especially once DeAndre Jordan showed and started sandbagging his minutes. Now the Sixers have a legitimate defensive disruptor and competent play finisher who is still improving. If Reed can maintain his current impact level, it will be hard for even Doc Rivers to consider turning back to the veteran.