2017 NBA Playoffs Preview:
Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden. Friend vs. Friend. The Beard vs. The Brodie. Their 2017 NBA Playoffs series, which kicks off on Sunday, is the night cap. This series will surely be one of the more must-see and entertaining playoff matchups as it will feature two MVP candidates.
Rockets Factors: For Houston to advance to the second-round of the playoffs, their game will need to be at a constant level, like it was during the regular season. They need to let James Harden create and score, and be prepared to knock down any three-point shots that come from that. Houston averaged over 40 three-point attempts this season, breaking their own regular season record. Playing at a fast pace against Oklahoma might leave them at that average, or even surpass it.
Rockets Weaknesses: Houston’s biggest weakness is their shots not going in. Their offense is penetration and kick. If, somehow, the lights get too bright and the shots starting clanging, it’ll become a worrisome omen. In a series like this, all the Rockets need is for their core and bench to be on fire behind the line. That sounds like a tall task but that’s what they built their season on.
Thunder Factors: Put simply, Russell Westbrook has to keep up his pace from the regular season to beat Houston. Now is when his play and triple-doubles matter, because for the Thunder to upset Houston, he’ll need to be historic. Along with Westbrook, Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter need to step their game up offensively and defensively as dual threats against the Houston bigs. Kanter will be an x-factor with his athletic ability being an advantage for Oklahoma. His athleticism allows him to be a terror on the boards which could pose a problem for Houston’s bigs.
Thunder Weakness: The rest of the squad will have to improve their play to survive against the Rockets. Their weakness is the abundance of work Westbrook has to do for the team to hang in games. The other players will need to hit their shots and be active to make Westbrook’s life easier. If this doesn’t happen, Oklahoma can expect a quick exit from the 2017 NBA Playoofs
Prediction: Rockets in 6
