NBA variable No. 2: Impact of a supporting cast
What oftentimes makes the NBA playoffs even more interesting is the sub-storylines that take place almost on a daily basis involving non-star players that take center stage in each specific series. Will that change in the bubble. Or how will that change in the bubble?
For the most part, the narrative around a star’s supporting cast suggests that they play better at home. It makes sense. They’re in a comfortable environment and get that extra boost from their home crowd. However, with no homecourt advantage, or any fans at all in the Orlando bubble, what will that look like for a supporting cast?
Will they be no factor at all? Will their impact be more sparingly? Will they play at a higher level without any distractions from being on the road? Will it be more difficult for them? And how will it impact the teams whose success will squarely fall on the shoulders of non-stars? It could alter the way we look at certain teams in the bubble.