NBA Players Under Most Pressure For Playoffs

There will be many NBA Players under intense pressure heading into the 2024 playoffs. However, there are some that are at a point in which they do or die. The sofi play-in tournament has come and gone which officially started the NBA postseason. With the official start of the playoffs on April 20th, the intensity will multiply for players and teams alike.

Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard just might be one of the NBA players under most pressure this season going into the playoffs. Forcing his way out of Portland albeit to contend for a NBA title. He has underachieved this season along with the Miluakee Bucks as a whole. While in Portland not much was expected in terms of true title contention. As a result of the trade to the Bucks Lillard was supposed to upgrade the roster. Without Giannis Antetokounpo due to injury, the pressure for Lillard could be heavier. Playing without Antetokounpo coupled with what they gave up in a trade to get him, Lillard should be a leading force for this team.

James Harden

James Harden’s playoff shortcomings have been on display for some time now. Last season Harden shot seven for 27 in game six and seven. While only scoring nine points in the finale, as well as the 76ers surrendering a 3-2 series lead against the Boston Celtics. In addition, to him forcing his way out of another team in Philadelphia after not getting another max contract. He is now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. He and the Clippers started strong going 28-7 from December to the all-star break. However, to close the season the Clippers went 15-14, Harden averaged 15 points, shot 30% from three and 38% overall dating back to the all-star break. Given these points, if the Clippers lose early the idea of Harden being a max contract player and a core piece on a contending team will be out the window.

Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid could be the second of all NBA players under most pressure simply because of how skilled and talented he is. On one hand, Embiid has a little hall pass as a result of coming back from injury, five games ago. For the same reason, in his five games back Embiid averaged 30 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. After all, in those five games back the 76ers won all five. Given that win streak, it would be a tough sell to give this team and him another excuse. Embiid has failed to lead the 76ers past the second round in six playoff appearances. He hasn’t been healthy for a full playoff run yet. Therefore, the health of Embiid this postseason will be paramount.

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is most definitely one of the most talented NBA players at the present time. Through his first six seasons, Tatum has been to four conference finals and one NBA finals. Evidently, at this time, Tatum’s tendencies are in question. Settling for jump shots and stagnate late-game offense. Despite all his tendencies being questioned, the Celtics are still heavily favored to win the East. The Celtics are loaded, and for that reason, this might be Tatum’s best chance ever at winning a title. However, it won’t be his only chance at winning a title. Boston should beat the other contending teams in the east. The Celtics will have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. In other words, it’s time for Tatum to officially stamp himself as a tier-one superstar.

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Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is one of the greatest NBA players in this league’s history. Yet his pedigree as a championship-level alpha is still being questioned. It is important to realize that Durant is capable of leading a team to an NBA title. For this reason, until he gets past the second round without Steph Curry. Durant will hear about himself not being able to win without the Warriors. In addition, the conversation will be similar to that of Kobe Bryant winning a title without Shaquille O’Neal. In order to quiet the doubters he must be the alpha dog on a NBA title team. The Phoenix Suns may not be favorites to win, but you can’t rule them out. The Suns reliance on the two-point mid-range shot does not bold well in the current three point shooting league. However, the difference maker can be Durant.