Backup plan could give Raptors upper hand against Sixers

Fred VanVleet got some time off this week, including an entire day to get off his feet and completely relax before the Raptors began their second-round NBA playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Considering what he’d gone through in five first-round games with the Orlando Magic and what’s likely ahead for him, it was much needed and well deserved.

VanVleet’s just come off a series where he had to chase Orlando’s Terrence Ross all over the court, successfully disrupting one of the Eastern Conference’s top catch-and-shoot artists and a continuous offensive threat.