LA Clippers Playoff Matchups: Houston Rockets
Match-Ups
If you were to ask me what team I thought would be the most favorable matchup for the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, I will immediately say the Houston Rockets and here’s why.
Starters
Houston Rockets Starting Lineup:
LA Clippers Starting Lineup:
Pros
Based off of looking at starters, we can see that offensively the Rockets have better primary ball-handling and scoring guards.
But, with the defensive intensity of Patrick Beverley guarding James Harden and the length of SGA affecting Chris Paul, the Clippers can limit Houston’s offense.
There are more pros that I will diving into later in our next slide (ex. Landry Shamet).
Cons
Because Patrick Beverley plays aggressive defense against his opponents, he might pickup some quick fouls defending James Harden which can be costly.
Ivica Zubac might also get dominated by Rockets Center Clint Capela, which then may cause him to sit out for a stretch of minutes in key situations.
Bench
Houston Rockets Bench:
F Daniel House Jr./F Gerald Green
LA Clippers Bench:
F Wilson Chandler/G Ty Wallace
Pros
The Clippers must take advantage of the Rockets relatively weak bench and the duo of Lou-Trezz can possibly open up a small lead with these units out there.
The Clippers biggest thing is their depth, so guys can give their maximum effort for short stretches and get subbed out.
Cons
The Rockets will most likely stagger their bench unit as Mike D’Antoni will have one of CP3/James Harden on the floor with the other bench guys.
Montrezl Harrell will go up against a guy who plays similar to him in Kenneth Faried.
It would be very interesting to see those two energizer bunnies go at it.