While we are watching the conference semi-finals, teams face serious challenges as they need some of their players to step up and carry the scoring burden or be a defensive weapon. In order to go far in playoffs, all teams need additional contributions from their secondary scoring options, sleepers, or benchwarmers. As NonStop sports betting suggests, the favorites and underdogs battle each other.
Let’s analyze this shortly for all eight semi-finalists:
Heat
The heat is a surely better-coached team against the 76ers as Spoelstra tested lots of different lineups during the season. One of his rabbits pulled out of his hat is Max Strus. Not only he has reached double digits for the first time in his career, but also managed to increase his season average by 13.2% and added 1 steal per game up to now in 7 playoff games.
Celtics
Amid bringing out Defensive Player of The Year, Marcus Smart, and another defensive key factor Robert Williams, there is another stud who stole the show during the Playoffs for the Celtics. Yes, we are talking about Grant Williams. The 23-year-old continues to make the name for himself as he proved he can play a key role in the offense and as a shutdown defender. His defense against Durant became phenomenal in the first round of the playoffs and he shows the same gritty defensive skills against Giannis in the semi-finals. With this effort, he can secure a playing time of around 30 mpg for the next season.
Bucks
Since Middleton is missing after the 2nd playoff game, the Bucks seriously need help from their benchwarmers. They are playing against a physically-fit Celtics team and their offense still depends highly on Giannis. With a tough zone defense, the Bucks will require to find extra perimeter shots. As Grayson Allen has increased his FG% to .577 while adding 2.4 threes per game during the playoffs, his role should increase.
76ers
As Embiid suffered an orbital fracture and a concussion, he may only return as early as Game 3 while the Sixers are losing 2-0 against a deeper and more sophisticated opponent. Maxey was the sleeper for the team at the beginning of the season and he continues to be the lone bright spot with his spark in the absence of Embiid. We are extremely sorry that Doc Rivers still could not find a proper 5th player in the rotation.
Suns
In addition to CP3’s heroic playoff performance, the Suns needed further help from Mikal Bridges up to now. Things did not differ for Bridges in the playoff series whether Booker or any other player is out or in. He definitely focused to perform well on both sides of the game with his versatility. He scores 16 points per game while adding 1.0 steals per game and 1.4 blocks per game.
Grizzlies
If you ask whose role has increased the most during the Playoffs, our fingers will point to Brandon Clarke. As the playoffs begin, he immediately replaced Steven Adams in the rotation and did not let Taylor Jenkins down. While his playing time has increased by 50.8% to 29.4 mpg, he scored 15.1 ppg and grabbed 8.4 rebounds per game which is 58.5% higher than his season average.
Warriors
Following a strong regular season for himself, Jordan Poole continues to shoot with no hesitation while being the 2nd top scorer on the Warriors roster during the playoffs. The third Splash Brother has increased his FG% by 23% and plays a prominent role with his 22.3 ppg.