Raptors vs. Pacers: Shutting down Paul George key for Toronto

The Toronto Raptorsbeat the Philadelphia 76ersonTuesday night, but many fans were watching more closely as the Indiana Pacers took down the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat the Detroit Pistons, locking up the bottom two playoff spots in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Toronto will begin itsthird consecutive playoff run this weekendagainst Indiana, a team itbeat three of four times in the regular season. The first game will be Saturday or Sunday in Toronto, but the schedule won't be solidified until Wednesday evening. Game 2will also be in Toronto before the series switchesto Indiana for two games.

In their previous two seasons, the Raptors didn't know who they would be playing until the final day of the regular season. Though coach Dwayne Casey said he'sbeen preparing the team for either of their potential rivals, they'll now have a few extra days to prepare for standout Indiana forwardPaul George, a player Casey describedas "one of the elite players in the league."

Shutting down George will be a focus for the Raptors, but it's a task they've been up for during the regular season, keeping himto an average of 16.3 points per game, notably short of his 23.2 on the entire season. George has also been nursing an ankle injury.

Here's a recap of the season series:

Oct. 28:Toronto 106, Indiana 99

The first meetingin Torontosaw the Pacers get out to an early start, opening up a 10-point lead in the first quarter which they would giveup after half. Inthe third, the Raptors outscored the Pacers 35-23.

Jonas Valanciunashit two free throws with under 37 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Dec. 14:Indiana 106, Toronto 90

In the Raptors' only loss to Indiana this season, they blew a big early lead. The Raptors opened up a 21-point advantage during the first half butallowed Indiana to go on a 39-4 run, led byJordan Hill and Monta Ellis.

March 17:Toronto101, Indiana 94 OT

The Raptors beat the Pacers for a second time, capped by aPatrick Patterson dunk with 36 seconds remaining in overtime and a few free throws down the stretch.

DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry combined for 56 points, split even at 28 each.BismackBiyombograbbed 25 rebounds.

April 8:Toronto 111, Indiana 98

In a game which saw Casey rest KyleLowry, DeMarDeRozan, LuisScola and DeMarreCarroll, the Raptors rookies took over for the third win over Indiana of the season, knowing the Pacers were a potential playoff match.

The Raptors were up by five at the end of the first and didn't look back.

Normam Powellnetted a season-high 27 points, hitting 14 of 19 free throws and playing 41 minutes.