Not having back to backs will help the veterans for sure. But for me, the X Factor is Jalen Green and FVV. We can't overcome low production from the starting back court in a 7 game series. But most especially, it's Jalen. That kid is going to be the guy down the stretch. I can't wait to see how he does.
I agree...also, our wings (Bari, Tari, Brooks, and Amen) will be the deciding factors on how successful we're in the playoffs. If they're shooting below average from 3 (with exception to Amen) in the first round, then it will be an early playoff exit...
The two primary "X Factors" are Jalen and Alpi, by a long shot. If one or both of those guys spazz in the first round, particularly down the stretch of close games, Rockets are dead. It's really that simple. I don't need to make a list of their flaws because we all know what they are. IMO, anyone expecting much from Fred has no clue. Whatever he contributes is found money at this point. If the Rockets are lucky, he might erupt one game and score 20+ points.
Yeah I think if you could say "this stat will determine how far we go" I'd say 3 point shooting. We just need to be average or close to it. I'd say that's more important than any individual player's production. Someone asked what I'd consider a "good season" and I said that shooting was what I wanted to see the most, at least as far as internal development is concerned. Obviously we're not shooting well enough still, and we're offsetting that by offensive rebounding, but at some point we have to shoot the ball well to contend.
Dillons advanced stats are like Eric Gordons, they just don’t match up with the real life impact. Shoutout to Dillon having a career year on offensive efficiency. Prior to Houston he had 6 consecutive seasons of having an EFG between 46-48% and a TS% between 49-51% Put up 53% EFG and 55% TS this year It’s truly unbelievable.
Basically whether the Rockets can continue their defense into offense playstyle. In half court settings, Warriors have a huge advantage because Steph's a star and Butler will get all the whistles. And the Rockets crappy half court offense against Draymond actually trying in the playoffs is going to be hard. But the Rockets are by far the more athletic team and needs to really push the pace and play to their strengths.
Fred, Dillion and Adams have all had playoff experience and been on deep runs so we know what we are going to get. I think all the young guys are the X factors. We really don't know what we are going to get from them. Are they going to wilt under pressure? or are they going to turn into stars? Playoffs are where stars and duds are born. My prediction is Amen, Jabari and Tari will step up a notch. They will feed off their defense. Jalen I am skeptical I dunno if his game translates to the playoffs. Defense on him is going to be ruthless. I hope I am wrong about him.
Offence Alpi and Jalen ( Specially Alpi's free throws are important) Defence Amen We must stop one of Curry or Jimmy
Honestly, how the NBA officiates this series should be the single biggest factor. Also, our young guys growing and showing... Even with Butler, the Rockets match-up well with GS. I expect us to win the series.
There is only one X factor and that's the refs. The games they let us play physical and get up in curry's face we will win. When they start calling touch fouls on us we will lose. We've seen this song and dance to many times. GS will be allowed to play physical and push sengun all game. Jalen will probably average less than 5 free throws a game. And everyone is gonna complain about how our two guys didn't perform in playoffs. But we all know why
100% agree. If it’s a fair fight and they let the boys play playoff defense then we should win in 6 max. Amen IS THAT GUY. If they let him suffocate Steph without calling BS, we got it. Illegal moving screens, Draymonds psychosis, and ticky tack calls will dictate most of this series I’m afraid.
I actually think the Warriors match up worse with us now with Butler in the fold. He's too slow and too small to deal with Jabari/Eason/Dillon/Amen. Even Sengun can defend him at this point.
If Fred can’t efficiently score at least 18 PPG this series we are toast. Jalen has to be able to not turn the basketball over as well
