Patrick Beverley Predicts NBA Playoff Sleepers: The Ultimate Underdog Watchlist

As the NBA playoffs approach with the fervor of a pre-game locker room pep talk, I find myself pondering: can a single series elevate a player from mere mortal to basketball deity? On Patrick Beverley’s widely acclaimed podcast, which indeed has its fair share of engaging banter and expert insights, he floated an intriguing list of potential breakout stars. Might these athletes, much like the hopeful seeds waiting for the spring rains, blossom spectacularly under the intense playoff sun?

Ja Morant, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and yes, even Doc Rivers, find themselves on this roster of promise. Each name carries with it a story—tales of comebacks, unmet expectations, and the sheer will to dominate. But let’s not forget, the playoffs are as much about the drama off the court as on it.

Ja Morant, with his balletic leaps towards the basket, could be the playoff’s own Bambi—if Bambi could dunk from the free throw line. He’s currently battling an ankle injury, a veritable real-life plot twist for his Cinderella story to make the playoffs.

And then there’s Jimmy Butler, who this season has dazzled alongside the storied Golden State Warriors. Could he possibly channel his inner ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and flip the proverbial bird at expectations?

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, oh they’re the type of players that can ignite or extinguish playoff dreams with their performances. Harden, with the consistency of a well-aged cheddar, and Leonard, who’s been shedding rust like a vintage car back on the road, both have the firepower.

Yet, I must mention Doc Rivers; his inclusion is like adding the last dash of spice to the stew. He’s set to take the Milwaukee Bucks, now welcoming back Damian Lillard, and perhaps, just perhaps, “take this Bucks team to the next level.”

As Beverley shared his predictions, his voice a blend of excitement and authority, one can’t help but get caught up in the anticipation. Will these predictions hold? With the playoffs, it’s always a high wire act; one spectacular play can change everything. Keep your popcorn ready, it’s about to explode into a spectacular show of talent, grit, and perhaps, the making of new legends. Now, let’s get ready for some playoff basketball.

The NBA playoffs are just about to begin and fans are hoping to see several stars shine brighter than usual.

Speaking on his podcast, Patrick Beverley talked about five players who could really show up in some huge ways during the postseason.

He said that Ja Morant, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden could get a lot of attention and do a ton of damage in the playoffs.

He also added Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers to his list, saying he might “take this Bucks team to the next level.”

“Number one should be Ja Morant. Number two is Jimmy Butler. I think Jimmy Butler can really put up Stone Cold Steve Austin—the flipping the bird off the Miami Heat—with his play in the playoffs. Number three has to be Kawhi Leonard. Him answering calls and ringing a bell from injuries and people talking bad about him. Four has to be James Harden. He’s one of the few all-stars that hasn’t had a ring yet. Five is Doc Rivers. I’m giving it to Doc Rivers to take this Bucks team to the next level,” Beverley said.

Top 5 players to have a breakout playoffs! Presented by @NewAmsterdam pic.twitter.com/rwa2KDuDbb

— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) April 18, 2025

Beverley’s list is filled with talented players and coaches, but it’s not clear how many of them will go far in the playoffs.

Take Morant, for example, who is currently nursing an ankle injury and is questionable for Friday’s Play-In game against the Dallas Mavericks.

There is a good chance that he doesn’t even make the playoffs.

Butler is someone who has been proving a lot since coming to the Golden State Warriors earlier in the season.

He seems poised to make a lot of noise in the postseason, but his Warriors could struggle to get past the Houston Rockets.

Leonard and Harden seem like the biggest threats in the upcoming playoffs.

Harden has been great all year and Leonard has gotten healthier and looked like his older self lately.

As for Rivers, he has a lot to prove with his Bucks, but they are getting Damian Lillard back soon, so he may prove it all.

Beverley knows basketball and he knows these men, so his prediction carries a lot of weight.

But that doesn’t mean it’ll come true.

The post Patrick Beverley Names Top-5 Players That Will Break Out In Playoffs appeared first on The Cold Wire.