X-factors for every NBA Play-In Tournament team

The 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament is set with eight teams ready to face-off in a format that is certain to produce plenty of drama. Let’s look at one x-factor for each participating team that could give them the needed edge to make some real noise in the playoffs.

Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart

If the Celtics are to make a deep run, they will need Marcus Smart to be their difference-maker. Smart has been a lightning-rod figure in the NBA, staking his claim as one of the stingiest defenders in the league, but he's also hurt the Celtics with his inconsistent shooting.

In his last 10 games, Smart is shooting just over 22% from three. Reverting back to his career 32% mark would be a big boost for a Celtics squad that has relied too often on Jayson Tatum to make spectacular plays.

Charlotte Hornets: Sharing the wealth

The Hornets are limping into the playoffs and don’t do anything notably remarkable from a statistical standpoint, but one area that stands out is the Hornets’ ability to set-up teammates. They are just 23rd in the league in points per game, yet sit fifth in assists. LaMelo Ball leads the way, but they have eight players who average at least two assists per game.

Contrast that to team like the Washington Wizards, who only have four such players, and it is an encouraging sign that this is a team that can spread the ball around and distribute evenly. Without any of the top superstars in the game, good team basketball will be essential for the Hornets if they are to make a run.

Washington Wizards: Russell Westbrook

The Wizards’ fate will be decided by one thing and one thing alone. How will Russell Westbrook play? Westbrook is one of the most dynamic players in the league and can take over a game or shoot his team out of one on any given night.

While Bradley Beal is an obvious threat, and Davis Bertans is a weapon from beyond the arc, the X, Y, and Z factors for the Wizards will be Westbrook.

Indiana Pacers: Staunch Defense

The Indiana Pacers were a team left for dead back when Victor Oladipo departed, but contrary to rumors they held onto their assets and will now compete in the playoffs. The Pacers are a high-scoring bunch, but they can be disruptive on defense as well. They are fifth in the league in steals and first in the league in blocks. While center Myles Turner’s foot injury puts a damper on that strength, a turnover-prone opponent might find themselves in for a long night.

Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green

The first instinct for the Warriors' x-factor is Steph Curry, but that’s not the correct answer. If the Warriors are going to win and advance, it is Draymond Green that drives the ship. Green is a do-everything player that can open the floor for Curry with his vision, cutting, and passing, and is an elite defender that the Warriors otherwise lack.

When Green is playing at his best, he pushes the ball, forces attention, and racks up assists. Curry is an amazing player that can take over games, but those games will never be within reach if Green isn’t playing his best.

Memphis Grizzlies: Rebounding

The Memphis Grizzlies have a true star in Ja Morant, but they are a big team that can also dominate teams on the glass. Shooting guard Dillon Brooks is 6’7" and a stout 225 lbs. Small forward Kyle Anderson has a wickedly long wingspan, and center Jonas Valanciunas is third in the NBA with 12.5 rebounds per game. They somehow are only 10th in the league in team defensive rebounding percentage, but it won't be surprising if that improves in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Lakers: Training Staff

The Lakers are arguably the most dangerous high seed ever, with two of the best players in the game. Standing in their way, however, are injuries and rust. If the Lakers are going to make a run, their training staff might end up being the biggest difference maker of them all.

San Antonio Spurs: Gregg Popovich

The San Antonio Spurs have a bevy of talent at guard, but without elite talent in the paint they finished 10th in the Western Conference. While faced with obvious and glaring mismatches against any opponent in the playoffs, the Spurs will need to rely on Gregg Popovich to pull off some wizardry with a small-ball lineup.

The Warriors have shown the NBA that small-ball lineups can win games, but they had generational long-range shooting to pull it off. Can Popovich draw up enough creative offense for his athletic group of guards? His experience, creativity, and strategy will be key if the Spurs are to have postseason success.