While the Raptors faced a bit of turbulence in Game 1 against the Orlando Magic, things went smoothly from then on as Toronto won four straight to advance. Now, they’re slated for a second round matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, another one of the East’s heavyweights.

Before these two teams tipped off for Saturday’s Game 1, they were speaking in very, very high terms of the other. It’ll be an intense matchup on the court, but perhaps one of the most polite matchups off of it if this continues.

Joel Embiid, star of the 76ers and one of the league’s most prolific trash-talkers, had nothing bad to say about the Raptors. Instead, he offered praise for his fellow Cameroonian, Pascal Siakam, as well as Marc Gasol. (There may be a bit of a geographic rivalry between Embiid and Siakam, however!)

 

 

Joel #Embiid shows some love to his fellow Cameroonian, Pascal #Siakam 🇨🇲

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76ers coach Brett Brown was basically monologuing on his praise for the Raptors, pointing out each of the team’s starters as well as the team’s defense overall.

Kyle Lowry, a Philly native himself, is looking forward to this series, and Nick Nurse makes a pretty compelling point on a 76ers starting lineup that is considerably stronger than what it was at the beginning of the season.

Lowry, Siakam, Gasol, Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard against Embiid, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick. We may be in for some fireworks in the second round!