Boston Celtics
X-factor: Gordon Hayward
The Celtics as a team are undeniably undersized which puts heavy-ownness on their backcourt and wing play to carry the load offensively from within and beyond. While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have both taken credible steps towards All-Star caliber young talents, the once potential face of the Celtics in Gordon Hayward has lagged behind.
In today’s time, Hayward is still an integral piece towards the Celtics’ emerging from the East, and it can only be done through executing his shot opportunities presented by the defense. On around 14 shots per game, Gordon has made 39 percent of them from 3 and exactly 50 percent overall from the field.
His 17.5 points per game average went under the radar as being another crucial factor of why Boston improved from last season’s down-trodden year. In the postseason when the defenses segue their attention at Tatum, Brown, and the electric Kemba Walker, Hayward will be granted the offensive leftovers. If used to his advantage, they can add up into a full-course meal that benefits Gordon and the team collectively.
Indiana Pacers
X-factor: Malcolm Brogdon
Once the proverbial X-Factor of the Milwaukee Bucks a year ago, Malcolm Brogdon delivers a similar role with the Pacers as they begin playoff play. While T.J. Warren’s bubble immortality has cemented himself as a mainstay on the opposition’s scout sheet, the Pacers will need to rely on another perimeter player to remedy the attraction of both Warren and Victor Oladipo will attract on offense.
Brogdon presents that ability as he’s upped his points average this year from 15.6 to 16.5 in an enhanced offensive role. His playmaking ability has been an underrated gem as well averaging seven per game as a de facto point guard on the positionless Pacers. If Indy wants to make their playoff stay last beyond the first round, the play of Malcolm will be extremely vital especially with the continued indefinite absence of All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis.