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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Steven Adams

Has there ever been a series better for Steven Adams to look like an All-Star? There is no center on the Rockets roster currently in the rotation and unless they decide to exhume Tyson Chandler from the end of their bench that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

In what has been a down season for the Thunder big man he has still averaged a solid 10.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in only 26.7 minutes per game. For someone making $25.8 million this season and $27.5 million next season that production is not good enough. Starting this season is when he starts to truly earn that high salary.

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None of their meetings so far this season have come following the abandonment of the center position and Adams will be looking for retribution. In those three games, he only played 17.8 minutes per game and averaged 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds. This is simply not good enough but the projection is he will feast on the smaller front line.

While he may be part of the most effective offensive lineup for the Thunder he may also be the most expendable. Being an x-factor is as much about this series as it is securing Adams’ place with the franchise in the future. Nerlens Noel has been nearly as effective in almost 10 minutes less per game. Miek Muscala has not, but he brings a different aspect to the offense. The Rockets have shown that just being good at rebounding is not sufficient.

But it is a start and that is Adams’ primary objective.