10 biggest X-factors of the 2024 NBA playoffs: Knicks, Wolves boosted by unlikely heroes

As he pours his coffee, takes a bite of grapefruit and checks the NBA standings every morning, Adam Silver probably smiles at what the league has become. That sweet taste isn’t the Splenda. It’s parity, baby! 

And in a league with so much talent and competition, the playoffs will come down to a fortunate offensive rebound here and a made corner three-pointer there. All the top teams have a star. Crowning a champion comes down to X-factors.

We have a lot to cover so let’s jump right in. The only rule is that we aren’t talking about injuries because that’s obvious and boring. Some names are bigger than others, but here are the 10 biggest playoff X-factors.

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics