2018 NBA Playoffs Preview: Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves, SWOT Analysis & Prediction

#4 X-Factor

Ariza is the ideal

all-round

package for a team looking for a solid playoff run

Houston Rockets

On a team that has Harden, Paul and Capela, the work of a journeyman wing can often be overlooked. But make no mistake, Trevor Ariza is an integral part of the Rockets set-up and the 32-year-old will arrive into the playoff fresher than ever before.

Although Ariza averages just 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game this season in which he has shot 41.2 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from behind the arc, he is one of the most important cogs in the Rockets machine. When he shoots well, they usually win and defensively, he is still one of the best wings in the league and his experience, from the 2009 Lakers championship side, will be key.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Timberwolves will need Wiggins to be a consistent presence in the playoffs

While a large part of the Timberwolves success this season was down to Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler, the former No.1 pick in the draft, Andrew Wiggins could well be the difference between the side being swept or not.

Although this will be his first-ever playoff series, an on-fire Wiggins is simply unguardable. Just ask the Rockets, against whom he has shot 39 percent from beyond the arc in his career. With all the focus on Butler and Towns, Wiggins could be the one that sneaks under the radar and gets his side on the board.

The 23-year-old hasn't been the most consistent this season but if he shows up in the playoffs and gets hot, it will be a sight to behold.