Hoops Habit
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The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 74-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis

Ok, so I know I said no star players, but with Anthony Davis playing his first playoff series ever and nobody sure of what to expect, how could he not be the X-factor for the Pellies? Will he rise to the occasion and show the world he’s arrived after an MVP-caliber season? Will he shrink from the magnitude of the moment? I have no idea! But he’s really the only reason we aren’t all predicting a sweep here.

Matched up against the league-leading Golden State Warriors, the Pelicans have virtually no shot of advancing to the second round. But for New Orleans to keep things interesting, it will take some monumental performances for Davis…who just so happens to have averaged 29.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game in four meetings with the Dubs this season. Can he step up like he has so far when his team’s needed him most?

Technically speaking, we could have gone with Tyreke Evans, who has quietly had a terrific season. We could have gone with Ryan Anderson, a sixth man X-factor off the bench. We even could’ve gone with Jrue Holiday, who returned from injury recently.

But let’s be honest: unless you’re a New Orleans Pelicans fan, the only reason you care about this first round series from NOLA’s perspective is watching Anthony Davis play in his first playoff series. In a battle of two MVP candidates, watching the Brow on the big stage should be magical, and it’s no secret he’s be the only reason they stand a chance.

Next: Boston Celtics