NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 most interesting player matchups

Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting player matchups and key factors in the NBA playoffs.

Another year, another LeBron/Pacers matchup in the NBA playoffs. Lance Stephenson will likely have a couple of fresh tricks in store in this year’s Cavs/Pacers first round matchup, although it’ll be hard to top the meme-worthy ear blowing from the Heat/Pacers a few years ago. We’ll be seeing MVP candidates James Harden and Jimmy Butler going at it in the first round, as the Houston Rockets have championship aspirations. LaMarcus Aldridge facing a revolving Draymond Green/JaVale McGee hoping to pull off an upset against last year’s NBA champions and the team that eliminated them in the Western Conference Finals.

The high-powered backcourts of the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards will face off in post-season play and Al Horford will have the task of defending the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward out, Horford is the last veteran All-star left standing against a Bucks team that recently saw Jabari Parker make a return. Coach Brad Stevens has been known to adapt in the face of adversity when, adjusting to talent injuries on-the-fly.

Next: John Wall, Bradley Beal vs. Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan