NBA Playoffs: Everything you need to know about Rockets vs Thunder

Key Question No. 1: Can Houston’s small-ball approach work without Westbrook?

One of the main reasons the Rockets went all-in on the small-ball approach was to give Westbrook more space to work with offensively. But the Rockets will be without Westbrook for at least the first couple of games of the series which raises the question of if their small-ball mentality will work.

Harden will have plenty of space to work with and create his own shot as well as shots for his teammates. Houston’s recent playoff experiences have taught them that one man is not enough to carry a team through the playoffs.

Westbrook’s absence makes the Thunder’s job defensively a lot easier. Instead of having to worry about two superstars who can score at will, Oklahoma CIty can devote all of its attention towards keeping Harden in check.

The Rockets are already undersized and have their work cut out for them defensively. If Houston is to be successful with their small-ball lineup without Westbrook, they need guys other than Harden to make plays. Role players like Rivers, Ben McLemore and Gordon must step up and take on a larger role for Houston’s small-ball approach to work in Westbrook’s absence.