NBA Playoffs: 10 sleeper players to watch in Round 1

DeMarre Carroll

DeMarre Carroll is another Raptor who has been somewhat forgotten. Unlike Norman Powell, who has only received increased playing time over the last few months of the season, Carroll is returning after missing most of 2015-16 due to knee injuries and eventual surgery.

With only 26 games and 786 minutes played in the season so far, Carroll isn’t entering the playoffs in top form. He’s been eased back into the rotation after returning on April 7, only coming off the bench to average 17.3 minutes a night. Obviously, his impact was fairly limited, although his four steals in the first game after returning was a quick reminder of just how prevalent he can be when guarding the perimeter and darting into passing lanes.

He joined the Raptors last summer with a four-year, $60 million contract, taking on the responsibility as a top 3-and-D threat. In particular, it’s the versatile defense that Toronto needs now, and that’s what makes him a sleeper and x-factor in the first round against the Pacers.

First and foremost, Carroll is going to be needed to hassle Paul George as much as possible. The Pacers’ All-Star has come back with emphasis from that gruesome leg break, averaging a career-high 23.1 points per game, sinking 37.2 percent of his threes, and creating smooth, off-dribble jumpers and drives to the basket.

Without a doubt, George is going to be carrying the load as he tries to pull off an upset over the 2nd seed Raptors.

So, for as many minutes and with as much intensity as he can muster, Carroll is going to play a vital defensive role in the first round.

Next: J.J. Redick