3 X-factors for the Rockets heading into the playoffs

Houston Rockets fans are ready for the playoffs.

The regular season has gone on long enough. The Rockets have long-established their style of play. Recently, even their seeding has been secured. This team has been playing low-stakes basketball for some time.

That's about to change dramatically.

The postseason will shortly be underway. A lot of eyes will be on the Rockets. They're widely regarded as one of the least predictable teams in the NBA.

Here are X factors that will factor into their success.

1. Double big lineups

The subject of the Rockets' double big lineups has inspired plenty of discussion. The Rockets have a preposterous 31.7 net rating when Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams share the floor.

It's a sight to behold. The Rockets are defying modern convention. In 2025, they're playing two non-shooting bigs. It works because Sengun and Adams are such effective screeners that they create incredible space for the shooters on the floor. Defensively, the Rockets deploy a zone defense with their two bigs on the floor at the same time.

It works - in the regular season. Will it work in the playoffs? This is one of the biggest X-factors for the Rockets in the 2024-25 playoffs. If the league's best teams go small, does this lineup work? Will the Rockets get ran off the floor?

If they can continue playing bully ball, they may be able to push and shove their way to a deep playoff run.

2. Shooting

The Rockets' shooting has been a regular topic as well. In the aggregate, their woes may have been overstated. The Rockets are shooting 35.3% from deep this year - good for 21st in the NBA. That isn't good, but it's not as abysmal as it was at one point this season.

It also feels like a bit of a mirage. Dillon Brooks has shot a career-best 39.7% from deep. Can that hold? Will Jalen Green be able to shoot a competent 35.5% on a staggering 8.1 attempts per game against the best defenses in the world?

The Rockets don't need to be the 2014 Warriors incarnate to win a playoff series or two. If they can sustain their current level of shooting, that should suffice.

If they can't, they could be heading for an early exit.

3. Playoff risers

OK, fine - every X factor heading into the playoffs has been discussed ad nauseam. Remember, we've known who the Rockets are for quite a while.

Who is the Rockets' star player? They've had a team-first mentality all year. That's great, but in the playoffs, an elite shot-maker can carry a team far. Do the Rockets have one?

Can Alperen Sengun thrive at the highest level without a jumper? Will Jalen Green string quality games together? Can Amen Thompson get to the bucket when defenses collapse on him?

Can any one of these Rockets consistently carry games?

If someone rises to the occasion, it could tell us a lot about the Rockets' future. It could also be a key variable in determining how far they get this year.

If nobody can handle the task, Rockets fans could be getting ready for the 2025-26 regular season soon.