The NBA playoffs will begin in approximately 2 weeks and it’s time we start talking about it. Whether it’s specific teams we could talk about or intriguing players that are ready to make some noise. We could go the easy route and say Giannis or Luka, but let’s get into some underrated players that will prove to be important for their respective teams in this year’s postseason…

Tyler Herro, Miami Heat

You could easily argue that Herro is the best scorer on the Heat and is extremely vital to their success this postseason. Herro has proven that he’s capable of taking that next step in his game and has become a scoring machine for the Heat this year, averaging 20.6 PPG off the bench. When they’ve needed a critical bucket or someone to hit a three, Herro has been that guy. Although he’s a volume scorer, he’s still been able to be fairly efficient, shooting 44.3% from the field and 38.8% from three.

If the Heat plan on making noise this postseason as the #1 seed in the East, Herro will have to be a big reason why offensively. Herro isn’t going to be much help defensively, but offensively, he’s got to be the go-to wing scorer other than Jimmy Butler.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks

It was obvious that Dinwiddie would have to play a big part this season for the Mavs after the trade of Porzingis and he’s played well up to it so far. For the Mavericks, Dinwiddie has been averaging a respectable 17.2 PPG, while shooting nearly 50% from the field and nearly 39% from three point land. The Mavericks are 14-4 when Spencer Dinwiddie plays and he’s been a valuable asset for them.

Expect Dinwiddie to take some weight off the shoulders of Luka during the playoffs and prove he is capable of being a solid #2 option.

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics

Some can and will argue that Marcus Smart is arguably the 2nd most important player on the Celtics other than Jayson Tatum and honestly… I agree. Smart is a huge part of the Celtics’ defensive identity and sets the tone with his fearlessness defensively and hustle plays. I’m not expecting Smart to have huge games offensively in the playoffs, but expect him to take on the opponent’s best perimeter player and have no fear doing so.

There’s a reason why major sports betting sites have Marcus Smart as a DPOY candidate right now. He’s been amazing all year for the Celtics and one of their most important players. If the Celtics make it far in the playoffs, Smart will have had a huge part in it.