2018 NBA Playoffs: Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans preview

1. Which supporting cast will rise to the occasion?

We know that both teams each have two players you can count on to continue their play from the regular season, if not elevate it for the postseason. The Blazers’ backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum continue to carry the scoring load, averaging 48.3 points per game between them. The Pelicans are led by Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, who combine for 47.1 points per game themselves.

The biggest deciding factor of this series will be how each team’s supporting cast performs though. Portland’s role players have been in question for multiple seasons running, and it’s still tough for me to put my trust in Aminu and Turner to win this playoff series. The loss of Mo Harkless hurts them as well. Harkless is another body to throw at AD on the defensive end and the Blazers lack wings to begin with.

The Pelicans aren’t too deep or strong, either. They will rely on Solomon Hill, Darius Miller and Ian Clark off the bench, and hope that Rondo’s postseason track record continues and he plays well. Mirotic is always a safe bet for floor-spacing and buckets, but can he defend at a playoff level consistently?

Each team has a pair of stars (yes, Holiday is one) that will rightfully garner all of the attention, but whatever team’s supporting cast steps up will take the series.