NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Cavaliers vs. Pacers matchup

3. Role players

While the stars are battling it out, the role players are the ones that will truly decide if this is a long series or a short one. The Pacers desperately need their guys to show up to give themselves a puncher’s chance at an upset. Lance Stephenson, C.J. Miles, and Monta Ellis need to have the series of their life. That won’t be easy considering they’re taking on some quality role guys like J.R. Smith, Deron Williams, and Channing Frye.

The Cavs’ role player carry less weight due to Cleveland having so much star power on their roster, but if they do what’s necessary then they might be able to earn the Cavs some quick rest before round two. This means playing high level defense and making 3-pointers. For Cleveland, that’s really the only job they expect their role players to live up to. Just one look at the roster confirms this fact with a plethora of shooting available for Tyronn Lue to choose from. Smith, Frye, Kyle Korver, James Jones, and even Iman Shumpert to a lesser extent. These guys have one job to do and that’s shoot the living daylights out of the ball when LeBron gives it to them.

The Pacers role players on the other hand have much more expected of them. With less stars comes greater responsibility. Ellis has to get to the rim and harass Cleveland inside. Miles needs to make every open look, and Lance Stephenson has to keep the ball moving on offense in the second unit. That’s just the bare minimum requirement. Sounds easy right?