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LA Clippers Playoff Matchups: Houston Rockets

By Nathan Jacobo

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Chris Paul
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Chris Paul /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 19: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 19: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Three Key Players

1. Landry Shamet

Since being acquired by the LA Clippers in mid-February, Landry Shamet has looked like the second coming of J.J. Redick for the team.

He runs off of off-ball screens and usually finds himself enough space to fire off a quick three or drive it into the basket.

He is vital because Houston will have problems defending him offensively.

My guess would be Eric Gordon running around guarding him but even then that’ll make him more tired offensively which can affect Houston’s run and gun offense of chucking up 3-balls.

2. Patrick Beverley

The heart and soul of the team, the unquestioned Alpha male on this year’s Clippers roster is Patrick Beverley.

With his task of defending James Harden, it will be key for him to prevent easy buckets as well as him getting going offensively.

If Pat Bev knocks down a couple shots best believe he’ll get more confident on both sides of the ball which is a scary sight for opposing teams.

Patrick Beverley will be the most key player in the Playoffs along with our next guy.

3. Lou Williams

The smooth and clutch 2019 Sixth Man of the Year (yes he is), Lou Williams must be able to maintain his shooting stroke in the Playoffs whether against the Rockets or another team.

The last time Lou made the Playoffs was with the Rockets in 2017. In that year he shot very poorly and was relatively struggling in being able to get a rhythm going.

dark. Next. Why Star Free Agents Should Consider Signing With The Clippers

The bench unit goes only as far as Lou goes. His play-making is a very underrated aspect of his game as he is always finding Montrezl Harrell rolling to the rim or kicking out to an open shooter.

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