Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 keys to series vs. Rockets

3. Lineup creativity

Setting aside their ability to get hot from distance, what makes the Rockets so dangerous is their ability to use lineups specific to their matchup. Coach Mike D’Antoni throws out many different combinations, ranging from P.J. Tucker at center or Nene at the power forward spot with Clint Capela manning the middle.

Others like Trevor Ariza, Green and Mbah a Moute give Houston a level of versatility that allows them to mix and match lineups, dictating how they want the game to be played.

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Despite a very talented roster, coach Thibodeau hasn’t tried to do the same.

Jimmy Butler is a strong dude, capable of handling the physicality that would come from matching up with a guy like Tucker. Yet with only two percent of his minutes coming at the power forward position, Thibs doesn’t seem all that interested in a faster, smaller lineup.

If Houston chooses to go small, a safe bet considering their penchant for distance shooting, Taj Gibson will have a hard time guarding someone like Green or Joe Johnson.

Already a bad 3-point shooting team, the Wolves would be at a huge disadvantage by not matching up with the Rockets’ smaller lineups, as Gibson and Gorgui Dieng are not reliable outside shooters.

Sliding Butler down to the power forward position would allow the Wolves to play more like Houston, which is a risky move considering the difference in personnel, but it gives Minnesota more offensive firepower against a team that can score 120 in its sleep.