Sixers vs Raptors: 4 takeaways from the game between two of the East's best | NBA 2018/19

Ibaka or Valanciunas?

Toronto's big men dominated the Sixers in the paint

It seems that head coach Nurse is actually picking Ibaka over Valanciunas, as last night was about his fourth straight start. While Ibaka is playing well at the offensive end of the floor, not having Valanciunas on the court is leading to the exposure of a serious flaw for the Raptors.

Generally a strong team in every defensive category, they have slipped to 27th overall in offensive rebounds allowed to the opponent. In their last 4 games, they have given their opponents 54 offensive rebounds.

The Raptors can count their lucky stars that the shot-clock resets to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound and not 24, as in past years. Every time they fail to close a defensive possession with a rebound, it leads to second-chance points and extended periods of time defending.

It's tiring and demoralising for a team defensively. Think of the defensive rebound as a prize for good defence, it leads to offensive opportunities, which go to the other team if they are grabbing offensive rebounds against you.

This is why it seems odd that Valanciunas did not get the start against the 7-foot 250-pound Nikola Jokic and Denver or last night against Embiid. Jokic recorded a triple-double against the Raptors and Embiid struggled last night. However, while Ibaka can out quick both men offensively, he is not big or strong enough defensively against players of Jokic and Embiid's size.

Valanciunas last night, in 18 minutes, recorded 26 points and 8 rebounds and was a +14 to Ibaka's -4.

When bigger and stronger centres are on the court, it just makes sense to play Valanciunas, who is better suited for the physicality. The only explanation for the extended starts going to Ibaka is salary. Ibaka makes $21 million a year while Valuanciunas' salary is $16 million a year. However, it seems to be currently working for Toronto to have Valanciunas as the sixth man and Ibaka as the starter.