2018 NBA Playoffs: 8 X-Factors to keep an eye on in the first-round

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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Which “others” will step up in the 2018 NBA Playoffs? Here are eight X-Factors to keep an eye on

Superstars get the love but when they all perform as we expect a series can come down to the play of a guy like P.J. Brown shooting  4-4 or Serge Ibaka shooting 11-11 in a huge Conference Finals game.

A guy like Mario Elie blowing a kiss of death after a dagger 3, Robert Horry, Kenny Smith, or Sam Cassell…wait, why are so many of these clutch role-players former Rockets?

Maybe I’m just scarred from growing up a Knicks fan. Anywho…here are this year’s X-Factor’s I’m most excited for – one for each first-round NBA Playoff matchup.