Matchups: Blazers vs. Rockets

Point Guard

Damian Lillard vs. Patrick Beverley

Although he fouled out and the subsequent drama between he and Beverley played out in the media, Lillard just had his most efficient game against Beverley and the Rockets back in March. EDGE: BLAZERS

Shooting Guard

Wesley Matthews vs. James Harden

James Harden is a two-time All-Star and one of the best players in the league. Matthews has been great for Portland this season but Harden is a top-five offensive player. EDGE: ROCKETS

Small Forward

Nicolas Batum vs. Chandler Parsons

Parsons is more of a scorer than Batum but Batum’s versatility on the boards and as a secondary playmaker should swing this in Portland’s favor. Batum will need to limit the turnovers, however. EDGE: BLAZERS

Power Forward

LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Terrence Jones

This is the biggest advantage Portland has in the series and it’s also why you’ll probably see Dwight Howard or Omer Asik on the L-Train. EDGE: BLAZERS

Center

Robin Lopez vs. Dwight Howard

Robin Lopez has been a revelation this season and the drama around Dwight has seen him fall out of favor with many. But lets not kid ourselves, this is Houston’s biggest advantage. EDGE: ROCKETS

Bench

Both teams are in the bottom-five in the league in bench scoring. Portland’s bench has more experience but Houston’s has more explosive potential. EDGE: PUSH

Coaching

Terry Stotts vs. Kevin McHale

McHale doesn’t have the X’s and O’s reputation of Stotts but he’s shown he’s not afraid to throw caution to the wind in the postseason, like starting Patrick Beverley over Jeremy Lin last year. A great battle, but give me the tactician. EDGE: BLAZERS