NBA Playoffs 2012: Key Players Who Must Step Up in Tonight's 1st-Round Games

There are two pivotal first-round games on Monday night. First, the San Antonio Spurs will try to sweep away the Utah Jazz on the road. That will be followed by Game 5 of the most exciting series so far, which features the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Let's take a look at three players under pressure to make their presence felt tonight. The playoffs have been entertaining so far, so there's no reason to believe that trend won't continue.

Manu Ginobili

The Spurs have been able to win the first three games against Utah without getting much production from Ginobili. Head coach Gregg Popovich has limited his minutes, knowing the dynamic guard will be needed more as the playoffs roll on.

That said, it would be nice for him to start building some momentum before the next round. He's shooting just 32 percent from the field and hasn't made a three in the series. The Spurs don't want him in a slump once his production becomes necessary.

San Antonio's unmatched depth has allowed it to overcome the Jazz without Ginobili, but the Spurs are going to need his star power soon. He needs to show he's ready for that with a strong showing in a potential close-out game tonight.

Al Jefferson

Jefferson hasn't played poorly in the series, averaging 16 points to lead the team. But for the Jazz to pull off the upset, they needed him to become a dominant force much like the Grizzlies' big men were last year when they stunned the Spurs.

It hasn't happened, allowing the Spurs to cruise in the first three games. Even though it may seem like a lost cause, Jefferson can't give up hope. He needs to lead the team to a victory at home tonight and hope things start to turn in favor of Utah.

Since the Spurs will be putting complete effort into tonight's game in hopes of earning some off time before the next round, the Jazz can really start causing some issues if they pick up a win. It all starts with Jefferson taking control of the paint.

Zach Randolph

It's been a disappointing season all around for Randolph. Big things were expected from him after a strong playoff run last year, but injuries have stopped him from rediscovering that form. He's averaging just 13 points and seven rebounds.

He hasn't been able to stretch the defense, which in turn has had a negative impact on Marc Gasol. And that has a domino effect throughout the rest of the squad. So it's important for Randolph to turn things around quickly if Memphis is going to advance.

The good news for the Grizzlies is that they have been able to keep the games close even without Randolph's usual output. If he's able to pick up the pace starting tonight, they will be able to turn the series around in a flash.