It wasn't an easy path for the Washington Wizards to secure a spot in the 2021 NBA playoffs, as they needed to go through the play-in tournament to do so. Washington lost its first chance to get into the playoffs when they were pummeled by the Boston Celtics in the 7-versus-8 match-up. However, they bounced back in a huge way by defeating the Indiana Pacers in their do-or-die showdown last Thursday to book a date with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Washington will enter the 2021 NBA playoffs as massive underdogs against the no. 1 seeded Sixers. The backcourt tandem of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook may not be enough to take down a Philadelphia squad that has been on point the entire 2020-21 season. The Wizards may also have no answers for Joel Embiid, who was officially named an MVP finalist on Thursday. Washington boasts a center rotation of veteran big men Alex Len and Robin Lopez, as well as Daniel Gafford, whom the Wizards acquired from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline.

Lopez and Len are likely what they are at this point of their careers and they should get minutes to bang bodies with Philadelphia's center duo of Embiid and Dwight Howard down low. However, Gafford should be center to watch out for among Washington's three-headed center rotation.

Daniel Gafford may end up becoming the wildcard for Washington due to his ability to fill up the box score even when given limited minutes. In their play-in tournament win over the Indiana Pacers, Gafford played arguably the best game of his young career. The 22-year old scored 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds, and blocked five shots in just 22 minutes off the bench.

Gafford could see a sizable role in their upcoming opening round series due to Philadelphia's two hefty big men. This could be be a daunting task for the sophomore center as he gets matched-up with either an MVP candidate in Embiid or a veteran and former All-NBA center like Howard. Nonetheless, it seems like Gafford is ready to take the challenge, especially with the way he played in such a high-stakes game like the win-or-go-home contest against the Pacers.

Since arriving in Washington, Gafford has seen a consistent reserve role in their front court. The 6-foot-10 big man is posting per 36 numbers of 20.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks in his 23 games as a Wizard.

Gafford has also established pretty solid chemistry with star point guard Russell Westbrook. He and Westbrook usually play together to start the second period and their duo could take advantage of the minutes whenever Embiid is off the court.

For the most part, Gafford serves as Washington's primary lob threat whenever Westbrook or Beal attack the basket to attract defenders. Certainly, Westbrook and Beal will do their part in feeding the 2019 second round pick for easy finishes at the cup. As he displayed in the win over the Pacers, Gafford is also an elite rim protector and his rotations are advanced for a player his age.

Most importantly, the Wizards may view Gafford as their center of their future. Washington probably doesn't have much of a chance against Philadelphia in this series. That's why tetting Gafford some much needed run in the playoffs against elite centers in Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard could do wonders for his growth.