Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Most Important Players For Every Eastern Conference Playoff Team

By Steven Abramo

Apr 2, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots a ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots a ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) drives the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Pacers 109-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) drives the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Pacers 109-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Analyzing the biggest x-factors for every NBA Eastern Conference playoff team

The 2016-17 NBA regular season is officially in the books, and the playoff field is finally locked in.

It’s the time of year where an X-factor can make a difference in a 7-game sample. Sometimes, an unexpectedly good or bad stretch of performances from one player can swing a team’s fortunes significantly down the stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.

Let’s focus on one member from each of the Eastern Conference playoff teams who have an opportunity to impact their teams in a big way over the next few weeks, possibly months.

1. Boston Celtics – Avery Bradley

All of the hype surrounding Boston this season has come from the all-worldly efforts of Isaiah Thomas. And quite frankly, why wouldn’t it? Thomas has carried the Celtics near the top of the Eastern Conference, by destroying every preconception there is of how a player at the height of 5-foot-9 can take over a game with such easy and recklessness. However, one of Thomas’ sidekicks, whom may not receive the credit he undoubtedly deserves, has made drastic strides this year despite being nagged by injuries.

That sidekick is named Avery Bradley, and it could be his play in this year’s playoffs that might determine Boston’s chances as merely a nice playoff story, or one that could threaten Cleveland’s Eastern Conference supremacy.

Bradley has taken on a bigger role this season, becoming much more than simply a defensive stopper and offensive spark-plug. In fact, it’s been his evolution as a spot-up shooter (making 40.8 percent of his threes) and consistency as pick-and-roll threat that’s made Bradley into the Celtics’ clear No. 2 scoring option: averaging 16.7 points per game.

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