Expecting the best out of Yak and his back

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Expecting the best out of Yak and his back

Originally posted on Raptors Republic | By Teru Ikeda | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 11:04 AM ET

For Jakob Poeltl, now is not the time for reflection and thinking about the Raptors’ success.

“We’re trying to advance in the playoffs. We’re tryna make it to the Finals. We’re tryina be an NBA champion.”

“So…um…,” he continued, his pause seeming to be extra long. He said it with enough conviction, however, that it made me believe that he believes in those words.

‘Doing the best they can with what they have’ is a process-oriented approach that has been echoed by every Raptor, including Poeltl.

With only a few hours left until Game 1, we should expect the best version of him. The “bear”Joe Mazulla referred to. The reliable utility van who sets solid screens, rolls and forces defenders like Jarrett Allen into the paint, makes push shots, and grabs rebounds. One who clears lanes by setting Gortat screens for the likes of RJ Barrett. One who finishes mostly everything he catches around the rim (Poeltl had the highest effective field goal percentage as per Bald Don’t Lie)

The Poeltl vs. Allen could be a defining match-up in this series. As Zulfi alluded to, Poeltl was Allen’s No. 1 match-up in the 2024-25 season, both having guarded each other for over 100 possessions.

In January 2025, Allen scored a perfect 5-for-5 on Poeltl, and had 18 points and 15 rebounds. But the Austrian answered back with 8-for-10 shooting, and finished the game with 17 points, seven boards, and six assists. He made his signature push shot over Allen after receiving a pass from Scottie.

Defensively, as he alluded to, “It’s gonna be a job for everybody.” If the defence plays further up, others will need to tag early and crash the boards. If Poeltl helps on defence to limit Cavs players from getting in the paint, others will need to step in.

When he’s forced to guard mismatches like James Harden, the best version of Poeltl will be one who doesn’t easily concede blow-bys. Because in the latest game against the Knicks, he was a shitbox car, not a utility van, who got hunted even by Ariel Hukporti.

“Outside of star matchups, Poeltl’s health will go possibly the longest way to dictating this series,” Louis Zatzman wrote. He’ll need to get up and down the floor quickly to maintain the Raptors’ tempo while enduring the extra physicality of playoff basketball.

“I feel good,” Poeltl re-assured reporters yesterday when asked about his health. Let’s believe those words as the Raptors’ success depends on it.

This article first appeared on Raptors Republic and was syndicated with permission.

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