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2017 NBA Playoffs: 10 X-Factors That Could Decide First Round Series

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; A detailed view of basketballs in front of the NBA Playoffs logo at the FedexForum before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; A detailed view of basketballs in front of the NBA Playoffs logo at the FedexForum before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NBA Playoffs are officially upon us. The quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy will begin this afternoon when the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers begin their their first round series. It will be the first of four games today, as the NBA Playoffs take center stage for the next couple of weeks. That is one of the many intriguing matchups we will see in the first round. Everyone is interested to see if the Cavaliers and get things back on track, led by LeBron James. The Golden State Warriors will garner a ton of attention as they look to make it back to the NBA Finals with Kevin Durant in the fold. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets will be must see television as well with MVP candidates Russell Westbrook and James Harden matching up. The postseason is usually when the stars shine brightest. Everyone knows what to expect from the stars; they will get their stats no matter what; opponents just hope to contain them. There are certain players capable of carrying their team for multiple games, willing them through the postseason. But, if a team wants to pull off an upset or sustain success in the playoffs, it will take production from multiple players. Some under the radar players will pop up with big games, stealing a win or two for their teams and gaining momentum. Which players are capable of doing that this season? Check out our slideshow of 10 X-Factors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; A detailed view of basketballs in front of the NBA Playoffs logo at the FedexForum before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2017 NBA Playoffs are officially upon us. The quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy will begin this afternoon when the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers begin their first round series. It will be the first of four games today, as the NBA Playoffs take center stage for the next couple of weeks.

That is one of the many intriguing matchups we will see in the first round. Everyone is interested to see if the Cavaliers and get things back on track, led by LeBron James. The Golden State Warriors will garner a ton of attention as they look to make it back to the NBA Finals with Kevin Durant in the fold. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets will be must-see television as well with MVP candidates Russell Westbrook and James Harden matching up.

The postseason is usually when the stars shine brightest. Everyone knows what to expect from the stars; they will get their stats no matter what; opponents just hope to contain them. There are certain players capable of carrying their team for multiple games, willing them through the postseason.

But if a team wants to pull off an upset or sustain success in the playoffs, it will take production from multiple players. Some under-the-radar players will pop up with big games, stealing a win or two for their teams and gaining momentum.

Which are players capable of doing that this season? Check out our slideshow of 10 X-Factors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.