NBA Play-In Teams
Brooklyn Nets: Ben Simmons
The Brooklyn Nets entered the 2021-22 regular season as title favorites, but a lot has changed since then. James Harden is no longer on the team, traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and the team had to win a Play-In Game to get into the playoff field.
The biggest trade piece in that Harden deal was Ben Simmons, who has yet to play but represents the biggest X-Factor for the Nets. If they can get him on the court, Steve Nash will have a lot more flexibility and versatility to deploy in his lineup. Simmons’ presence defensively, mixed with the offense of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, would be tough to stop.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Patrick Beverley
We saw during the Play-In Game against the LA Clippers what the Timberwolves are capable of. That was a physical game against a strong, gritty Clippers squad, but Minnesota was unphased, beating Los Angeles at their own game.
At the heart of that was former Clippers’ point guard, Patrick Beverley. As one of the most experienced players on the roster, he is an X-Factor for the Timberwolves. In the first-round series, he will be tasked with slowing down Ja Morant. I he succeeds, Minnesota has a fighting chance to pull off the upset.
Atlanta Hawks: De’Andre Hunter
Across the court, the X-Factor for the Hawks is De’Andre Hunter. He is the team’s best perimeter defender, which is key in the postseason. But, if he can offer a scoring punch as he did against the Hornets, he could be the second most impactful player behind Trae Young.
New Orleans Pelicans: Herb Jones
For the Pelicans, they also have an X-Factor in an injury player that hasn’t been ruled out in Zion Williamson. But, for players that will be playing, Herb Jones is their biggest X-Factor. The rookie has already ascended into their defensive stopper, as he takes on the toughest assignment.
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If he provides consistent scoring as he did against the Spurs, the New Orleans offense gets that much more dangerous.
