Former Toronto Raptors players Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby are squaring off in the second-round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
The New York Knicks took Game 1 over the Indiana Pacers 121-117.
Pascal Siakam finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Meanwhile, O.G. Anunoby put up 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
Siakam didn’t seem to have much trouble going up against Anunoby. He had Anunoby as his defender for 10.17 minutes in Game 1, per NBA Stats. Siakam attempted nine shot attempts with Anunoby guarding him and made five of them.
Siakam talked about matching up against his former teammate per CBS Sports’ James Herbert:
“I mean, yeah. It’s funny. We’re out there on the court and it is weird. Just ’cause I’m so used to being on the same team with him. It’s a weird thing. But you kind of get used to it. That’s the new reality.”
Anunoby saw Siakam for 10:13 minutes, per NBA Stats and shot 2-for-7 with Siakam defending him.
Both players have been ideal fits with their new team.
Siakam has given the Pacers a solid co-star next to Tyrese Haliburton and he has been a reliable offensive punch for Indiana during the playoffs.
Anunoby has been a lockdown defender for the Knicks. Even though Julius Randle has been out, New York has not missed a beat. The Knicks are 25-5 with Anunoby in the lineup.
Siakam and Anunoby both won a championship in Toronto, but this is new territory for them. They have a big impact on their new team’s championships odds.
The two former Raptors will once again do battle tonight in Game 2 when the Knicks host the Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
CBS Sports predicts Toronto taking Reed Sheppard No. 6 in 2024 NBA Draft
The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery is on May 12 and that’s when the Raptors will learn their fate.
If the Raptors are able to keep its top-six pick, CBS Sports has them taking Reed Sheppard with that selection.
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