From stars to sixth men, key players to watch in NBA conference semifinals
By Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY••USA Today
One star and one role player from the eight teams left in the 2026 NBA playoffs whose performance (or availability) could swing their team's fortunes.
The 2026 NBA playoffs quickly became a battle of attrition. The number of significant injuries that loom over the start of the league's four conference semifinals are proof enough. It's not clear ye…