The X-factor for the Indiana Pacers against the Bucks in the playoffs

The Indiana Pacers owned the Bucks in the regular season. We've talked about it a lot. But those matchups did not include Pascal Siakam in them, nor was Doc Rivers the coach of the Bucks for most of them either. Still, a lot of pundits are picking Indiana to win the series.

Siakam is definitely going to be a big piece of this series. He could be someone that they throw at Giannis defensively. He's also going to be someone who is the primary source of offense when the Pacers are in the half-court. Even though he's going to be a big part of the series, he won't be the X-factor.

The X-factor for the Pacers is someone who won't be a starter or someone who is a primary scorer. Yet, this player has been a big part of the success of the team and has been one of the best bench players that Indiana has. I'm talking about Obi Toppin.

Obi Toppin is the X-factor for the Indiana Pacers against the Bucks

Obi Toppin has been a huge part of the bench. Not only does he run the court to accelerate the Pacers' transition offense, but his shooting has been excellent. In the regular season, Toppin shot 40% from three. He's a truly great offensive weapon off the bench.

If Toppin can give the Pacers 10-15 points a night and hit a couple of threes a game, this Pacers team shouldn't have too many issues with the Bucks. That's especially true without Giannis out for the beginning of the series. We still aren't sure how many games he's going to miss.

Toppin is someone that the Pacers can rely on when things get tough. He's a really good player. His defense still isn't the best, but he's a bigger body that can switch on the perimeter. The Pacers need a lot from Toppin off the bench. It's a good thing he has T.J. McConnell to get him the ball.

I expect a big series from Toppin. The whole bench should have a good series against the Bucks.