The Houston Rockets will host the Golden State Warriors as the NBA playoffs kick off. While this may not be the most high-profile series of the first round, it is expected to be the most physical. Before things heat up, FS1 host Nick Wright speculates that one particular Rockets player might attempt to injure his Warriors opponents.
In a recent episode of his What’s Wright podcast, Wright pointed out two key provocateurs in the series: Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks. “I think that is a real storyline, is Draymond and Dillon Brooks both trying to bait the other guy,” Wright stated. “However, Draymond is far more crucial to the Warriors than Dillon Brooks is to the Rockets.”
Wright expects Brooks to cross the line, partly because he understands that his value is tied to his physicality, allowing him to play more aggressively with his fouls. He stated, “I am historically not a fan of Dillon Brooks because I believe he is a dirty, dangerous player. That poses a significant issue for the Warriors, as Brooks is likely to try to undercut someone and engage in plays that endanger other players.”
Wright’s bold prediction regarding a player’s intentions, particularly against Golden State, is not without precedent. During the 2022 playoffs, while with the Grizzlies, Brooks pushed Warriors forward Gary Payton II during a breakaway layup, resulting in Payton fracturing his left elbow and missing a month and a half.
Gary Payton II takes a hard fall after the foul from Dillon Brooks.
Brooks has been ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/36wnOrtFZt
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 4, 2022
Brooks indeed made a dangerously physical play in a situation that often leads to injuries.
Nonetheless, Wright’s assertion that Brooks would intentionally harm a fellow player is a significant leap. Furthermore, Wright is also concerned about another potential instigator on the Houston sideline: head coach Ime Udoka. “Ime Udoka is going to encourage the fight,” Wright remarked, emphasizing that Brooks’ history of violent plays is something he doesn’t shy away from accusing. Although Wright’s predictions may turn out to be accurate, Brooks likely won’t appreciate the scrutiny.
