NBA Playoffs: Six X-factors for the Houston Rockets and OKC Thunder

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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NBA playoffs, Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Danuel House

Danuel House moved into the starting lineup full time for the Rockets this season and has proved up to the task. He is shooting 36.3 percent from long range on 5.6 attempts per game. His overall counting numbers come out to 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals.

This has jumped up even more in the bubble as the Rockets have been missing players. He is averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists. The shooting percentage stayed essentially the same (36.4 percent) while the attempts increased to 8.8 per game.

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House’s game on offense is simple but effective. Of his 57 shot attempts, 48 of them have been jump shots. Of those, 44 of them have been 3-point shots. He is a gunner and the team needs that to increase even more with Westbrook out for at least part of this series. He is fifth on the roster in defensive rating, a low bar but at least this indicates that he is not part of the problem in this regard.

House needs to fill his role and more until Russell Westbrook ultimately gets back into the lineup, and he’ll be called upon in high-leverage moments against the OKC Thunder.