NBA Playoffs: 6 X-Factors that could shift a series

As the 2019 NBA Playoffs quickly approaches, we explore six x-factors that could change the dynamic of the entire post-season

Merriam Webster defines an X-Factor as “a circumstance, quality, or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence.” In the context of the NBA playoffs, this doesn’t narrow the scope beyond guys who don’t suck and thus won’t get much playing time.

James Harden‘s infamous playoff performances could define him as an X-Factor, but we know the offense will run through him, and opposing defenses will plan accordingly, so whether his shots hit or miss doesn’t affect the defense, or the Houston Rockets offense.

Conversely, we know Andre Drummond is in the game to swallow rebounds, not initiate offense, and Ben Simmons won’t attempt a shot outside the restricted area, so while their relative success at their specific skillsets may swing a series, they walk into said series commanding a less variable level of attention.

Role players, unproven players, and guys who are just as likely to take 5 shots as they are 20, are more unpredictable. The following six players will be the biggest X-Factors in the 2019 NBA Playoffs.