The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz & rest of NBA: Playoff Preview and Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 2: PJ Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets plays defense against the Utah Jazz on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 2: PJ Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets plays defense against the Utah Jazz on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors battle for a rebound with Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors battle for a rebound with Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2. Toronto Raptors – 7. Orlando Magic

Regular Season Series: Tied 2-2

Although the Milwaukee Bucks finished atop the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors shouldn’t be overlooked as potentially the powerhouse to watch out for. Some of their brief woes this season had to do with injuries and injury management to the likes of Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard.

Now, with a loaded lineup that also includes playoff veteran Marc Gasol, a deep bench that can give trouble to any team and a superstar in Kawhi that could very well go into beast mode in his return to postseason action, this Raptors squad will be a tough out all throughout the playoffs.

And although I’m happy for the Orlando Magic making a long-awaited return to the playoffs, I simply don’t see how they can match wits with a talented Toronto team. Nikola Vucevic is a stud, Terrence Ross has been electric of late and guys like Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier are no slouches. Not to mention, Steve Clifford is an excellent coach that certainly has excelled at getting the most out of his roster in his time with the Magic.

Nevertheless, Orlando is a team largely comprised of playoff novices while the Raptors are deep, talented and experienced. Once again, I’d say the Magic’s ceiling against Toronto likely isn’t more than a gentleman’s sweep. Sure, Orlando played them tough in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal and Toronto will likely elevate their game to another level. The Raptors are one of the best teams in the NBA, and they’ll prove as much in the first round against a significantly inferior opponent.

Prediction: Raptors in 5

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