NBA Playoffs: 6 X-factors for Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 08: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 08, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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NBA playoffs, Raptors, Nets (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

When deciding a series in the NBA playoffs it’s easy to focus on top players for teams. Instead, let’s check in on the x-factors for the Raptors and Nets.

Two of the most different stories of depth left in the NBA bubble, the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets will meet in a story that may not be long but should be full of intrigue. The Nets came in with half a roster and were hoping to get at least one win and hopefully avoid a play-in game going into the NBA playoffs.

Instead, they have gone 5-3 in the seeding games and are slowly developing a few prospects along the way. While typically the top three players are off-limits for x-factors, the Nets will be an exception in this category consider three of their top players did not make the trip down.

Call it cheating if you must, but anything the young Nets are doing in the bubble is somewhat different game to game. Only Caris LeVert is not eligible for this list. When you are the number one (and likely two and three options) for the other team to take away that sets you apart.

On the other side of the court, the Toronto Raptors are one of the deepest teams in the league. Every game a different role player puts their stamp on the game in a way that is shocking to those not expecting a strong performance. For the sake of cutting off the top three players for this team, we’ll remove Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet.

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