Toronto Raptors big man Marc Gasol will be tasked with the challenge of guarding Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid in the second round of the playoffs.

While Gasol will have the help of Serge Ibaka when he comes into the game, the Spaniard will be the primary defender on Embiid, who is one of the best players in the NBA.

Gasol talked about guarding Embiid with reporters on Thursday.

Just like any great player, you try to make everything as uncomfortable as possible,” Gasol said, via Josh Lewenberg of Toronto Sports Network. “Be as physical as they allow you. Same kind of mindset that we had with Nikola [Vucevic].”

With all due respect to Orlando Magic big man Nikola Vucevic, Embiid is in a different class than him and the Raptors have to be ready for Embiid's low post dominance.

During the regular season, Embiid averaged 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The two-time All-Star shot 48.4 percent from the field, 30.0 percent from beyond the arc and 80.4 percent from the free-throw line.

Gasol is a former Defensive Player of the Year, but he's way past his defensive prime. The Raptors are going to need a group effort to slow down Embiid, who averaged 24.8 points and 13.5 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.