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

3. Houston can play their veterans big minutes

The Rockets are not a franchise that builds their roster to maximize regular-season wins. Instead, Morey and his front office focus their energy on building teams capable of experiencing playoff success.

In simple terms, that means the Rockets don’t spend big-time resources on building their bench. Instead, they focus all of their resources on building the best starting five possible.

During the regular season, Houston suffered whenever their bench is required to play big minutes. Their weak bench will play fewer minutes during the postseason. That means opponents will be forced to deal with Harden and Westbrook for nearly 48 minutes per game. That’s a recipe for success for the Rockets.

Don’t be surprised if Houston plays their starters a higher percentage of minutes than any other team in the NBA when the playoffs begin. They aren’t going to put the fate of any game in the hands of guys like Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore. The Rockets are going to ride their starters into the ground during the playoffs. That maximizes their chances of making a lengthy postseason run.