The X-Factor For Each Eastern Conference Team Heading To Orlando

The NBA's return is just around the corner, and basketball fans across the globe could not be more excited about the return. Before you know it, the playoffs will be right here and teams will all be competing for an NBA championship.

An X-Factor is often a player that could change the fortunes for his team if he plays well. With that said, let's get right into the X-Factor for each Eastern Conference playoff team.

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Nathaniel Butler/Behind The Buck Pass

Milwaukee Bucks: George Hill

Last year in the Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors, it was clear that there was one guy who did not belong, and that was Eric Bledsoe. His all-world defense went down the drain and he had incredibly poor shooting percentages. He was so bad that coach Mike Budenholzer would often pull him out of the game late in fourth quarter situations to play backup guard George Hill. Now, this year Hill has been tremendous off the bench. He's only averages 10 PPG and 3 APG but he's currently the league leader in three point percentage with 48.0%. His shooting has made him a perfect compliment to reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Hill is going to need to be prepared for the upcoming playoffs. With Eric Bledsoe being a wild card in the playoffs, Hill may receive a larger role than expected and he must be ready for it in order for the Bucks to be true championship contenders

Luke Adams/Yardbarker

Toronto Raptors: Marc Gasol

The Toronto Raptors are my personal pick to win the East and make the NBA Finals and Marc Gasol has to play a key role in their run. Last year, Gasol shut down Nikola Vucevic and Joel Embiid in the first two rounds, two guys who were the best players on their respective teams and were both NBA All-Stars. The East is currently filled with lots of great centers with Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, Myles Turner, Nikola Vucevic, and several other guys who can make a noticeable impact on games. Gasol has to be able to effectively guard each of those guys. Offensively, he won't be required to do too much but his shooting and passing as a big man definitely plays a big role in Toronto's offense. Gasol just needs to stay healthy and effectively match up with the best big man on the opposing roster so that Toronto can continue to have a great defense and help make a run for the NBA Finals.

Chris Grenham/Forbes

Boston Celtics: Daniel Theis

There has been one thing that has consistently been holding back the Boston Celtics from big time success this year: their lack of a great center. This isn't meant to be disrespect towards Theis, as he's had a solid season but there's only so far you can go when he's your starting center. Theis is going to need to play spectacular defense this postseason. The Celtics are currently lined up to face Joel Embiid and the Phildelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. Theis is going to need to try to shut Embiid down and he'll need to contest Ben Simmons' drives to the basket. The Celtics have great wing players and two great guards. Now, all they need is for their starting big man in Daniel Theis to help protect the rim and play his role to perfection in order for them to achieve true playoff success.

Rohan Nodkarni/Sports Illustrated

Miami Heat: Duncan Robinson

Duncan Robinson has been absolutely spectacular this season for the Miami Heat. In a league dominated by three point shooting, Robinson has been historic from behind the arch. He's currently 4th in three point percentage with 44.8% and 12th in three pointers attempted per game with 8.4. His efficiency from long range has been nothing short of incredible. However, he doesn't have too much else to offer. Robinson has never seen playoff basketball, and with a skill set as strict as his, his play-style is extremely predictable and teams are not going to have a difficult time game planning for him. Robinson MUST continue his hot trend from three point land otherwise he may find himself on the bench during late game situations.

Marc Berman/New York Post

Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday

With Victor Oladipo announcing that he will be sitting out of this year's NBA playoffs, fans are quick to write the Indiana Pacers off. What they fail to realize is that they still managed to have a top record despite not having Oladipo for a majority of the season. One guy that really needs to step up in his absence is Aaron Holiday. Holiday has started 28 games and provides a lot of good things. He's an excellent three point shooter, a solid passer, and an underrated defender. He's likely going to see a large role in the playoffs and if Indiana wants to make noise, they need a guy like Holiday to step up.

Gary Washburn/Boston Globe

Philadelphia 76ers: Al Horford

It's safe to say that the Al Horford signing has been a disaster for the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only has he been a terrible fit for them but he's regressed in almost every statistical category. He hasn't been the floor spacer, defender, or passer that he was expected to be. If the 76ers want to be more than a first round exit, Horford has to play better. Whether it's in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, he needs to not be a complete liability on the court. Horford has been hurting the 76ers all season long but it's about time he starts to help them.

Ashish Mathur/Clutch Points

Brooklyn Nets: Jamal Crawford

If I'm being honest, the Nets nor the final two teams on this list have zero chance of accomplishing much in the playoffs. However, there are some guys that could help this team at least make some noise, and one of them is Jamal Crawford. Crawford may be old but there is no doubt he can still put the ball in the basket. In fact, you may not have known that in his final game last year, he put up a heroic 50 point effort. His shot creating ability may perhaps help the Nets win a couple of games in the playoffs this year.

Jasmyn Wimbish/CBS Sports

Orlando Magic: Markelle Fultz

The 2018 first overall pick has had a roller coaster of a career so far, but he's found some mild success on the Orlando Magic this season. He's been able to score efficiently with solid defense and passing. The Magic likely won't win more than a game or two in the NBA playoffs but if Fultz can take a leap, they may be able to compete game in and game out.

Ned Dishman/TheScore

Washington Wizards: Ish Smith

The Wizards odds of even just winning a game in Orlando is very slim, as they'll be without their two best players in Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans. One guy that could perhaps stepmup is Ish Smith. Smith has great shot creating ability and shooting ability and if he gets hot, it'll MAYBE help the Wizards win a game.

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