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Top 5 players going into the 2021 NBA playoffs
#5 Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA playoffs. A slew of injuries have hampered the forward's season, but he remains one of the most lethal scorers in the league.
Expectations are high for Durant in the 2021 NBA playoffs as his partnership with Harden and Irving could take them all the way to Championship glory. The power trio might not have built the necessary chemistry to compete at the highest level yet, as they have played only eight games together.
Regardless, Kevin Durant will be gunning for his third ring as they feature in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the regular season MVP for back-to-back years in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. However, the Milwaukee Bucks have not been successful in the NBA playoffs as they were knocked out in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the Miami Heat in 2020.
Both teams meet in the 2021 NBA playoffs in the first round, and Giannis has an opportunity to enact revenge. He finished the regular season with an average of 28.1 points, 5.9 assists and eleven rebounds. There is a lot riding on the shoulders of the 'Greek Freak', and the Bucks faithful hope he brings the team glory.
#3 Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid has qualified for the NBA playoffs in four of his five active seasons in the NBA. Despite being the victim of an upset in the 2020 NBA playoffs first round against the Boston Celtics, he averaged 30 points per game with 45.9 percent shooting from the field.
The Philadelphia 76ers finished the regular season as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference with a 49-23 record. He heads into the NBA playoffs with 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in the regular season. Having been an early contender for MVP, Embiid has a great opportunity to earn his stripes in this year's playoffs.
#2 Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has had a spectacular regular season, which is why he is favored to win the 2021 MVP award. Jokic played all 72 games in the regular season and averaged 26.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 10.8 rebounds ahead of the NBA playoffs.
With Jamal Murray injured, the Joker is tasked with leading the Denver Nuggets to a deep playoff run this year.
#1 LeBron James
LeBron James is the number one player to watch going into the 2021 NBA playoffs. The veteran holds the title for playoffs MVP as he led the LA Lakers to the trophy in the 2020 NBA playoffs bubble.
King James has won four championships with three different teams and will be looking for the second back-to-back Finals of his career.
The forward is still regaining full fitness following an injury lay-off that ruled him out for a major portion of the season. He showed no signs of letting up as he hit the game winner over Stephen Curry in the Lakers' win over the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers will square up against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
