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

#5 Prediction

This should be a walk in the park for Harden and co.

Even in the age of small-market teams that have shown they can make their mark by hanging on to their stars, playoff basketball often comes down to who has the best team. On paper, not only do the Rockets have the better starting five but also far more strength in depth.

While the Timberwolves have enough in the tank to ensure the games are more competitive than it was in the regular season, where they swept 4-0 by margins of 18, 18, 18 and 9 points, it is still hard to see beyond a comfortable first-round win for the Rockets. 1997 was the last time the Rockets swept a playoff opponent and while they have a chance of repeating that feat, a fit-again Jimmy Buttler should ensure that the Wolves at least go back with a win to show for their playoff efforts.

Rockets beat the Timberwolves 4-1