Dallas Mavericks
X-factor: Seth Curry
Dallas offensive productivity is driven by the multifaceted gameplay of international phenomes Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. The two will be garnered heavy defensive attention throughout the bubble playoffs which means more quality shot opportunities for their teammates.
Seth Curry can continue to benefit from those lavish leftovers as he’s done all year. In his second stint with Dallas, he’s averaged around 12 points per game on an elite 45 percent 3-point shooting clip. Come playoff time, those numbers will mean something even more if replicated in a series. Curry’s name holds weight as an NBA lineage of marksmanship. If it lives up to its calling card, it can provide a lasting legacy on Dallas’s new era of postseason basketball.
Portland Trail Blazers
X-factor: Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. has found his way into bubble lore as another legendary find during quarantine basketball. The former Duke Blue Devil is a rather very streaky shooter, but with Terry Stotts and Portland convinced a three-guard lineup is the way to go, his presence is felt.
He averaged around nine per game during the regular season off of regular wide-open catch and shoot opportunities. Being a recipient of constant defensive dedication to the backcourt of Dame and McCollum will do that for any NBA player. His ability to stray on the positive side of life as a streaky shooter could make him a deciding x-factor.