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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Luguentz Dort

The player most likely to be guarding him, and anyone else who causes the Thunder any problems will be the unheralded rookie Luguentz Dort. He is a solid defender for a rookie and is one of the few players on this roster not looking for shots.

He has only attempted 218 shots this season, 100 of them being distance and another 98 within five feet of the basket. To equate to how the Rockets need House to play the role of an oft-injured role player that is still on the team, Dort will be needed to reprise the role of the recently returned Andre Roberson.

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Once Dennis Schroeder is back in the lineup the team boasts one of the best offensive five-man units in the league. The team is eighth in defensive rating 108.1 and Dort boasts a rating of 108.3. This would only go higher if he was not often tasked without the toughest assignment possible. Watching him switch onto Harden when he shares the floor with Schroeder will be a sight to see.

Ultimately the role he will be needed in most often will be checking one of the myriads of shooters the Rockets will hope to spot up. Whether it be the aforementioned House or former lottery picks Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers. Limiting all of the role players will make Luguentz Dort invaluable.