NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 reasons the Houston Rockets can win it all

4. Robert Covington can change their defense

The Rockets made the deal for Covington to improve their chances of winning games in the playoffs. He’s a quality shooter from 3, but his value for Houston will largely come on the defensive end of the floor.

Because of Houston’s proclivity for small ball, he’ll be spending plenty of time defending bigger players. But against teams like the Lakers and Clippers, the Rockets are going to need as much defensive wing depth as they can muster. They don’t have as many effective wing defenders as they have in the past. They’ll need Covington to be all over the floor, letting Westbrook and Harden spend their energy on the offensive end. Covington also gives his team a defensive boost with his ability to help his teammates. He’s arguably one of the most effective help defenders in the entire NBA.