2015 NBA Playoff Previews: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Mar 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket between Houston Rockets guard James Harden (left) and Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The second round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs is here, and so we are here with some previews. These were done RTOE (roundtable over everything) style, and yes, those are Drake lyrics. 

Houston Rockets (2) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (3)

Oh my god, oh my god, if I die, I’m a legend: Who is the most important player in this series?

Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg): It’s got to be Blake Griffin. You can figure Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan will cancel each other out, as will Chris Paul and James Harden. That leaves Blake, who had a monster series against the Spurs and, if he can continue, should give the Clippers the edge against the Rockets.

Jack Maloney (@jackhaveitall): James Harden. The Rockets have a great chance to win this series, especially now that Chris Paul is not going to be 100 percent, but they aren’t going to get it done against a great Clippers team without Harden playing at his best.

I’m not here to give out compliments, or boost nobody confidence, momma: Talk trash about a player or team in this series

Wes: (In a Dave Chappelle voice) “HACKA HACKA HACKA” we’re going to see hack-a-Howard and hack-a-Jordan all day long because neither of you fools can hit a dang free throw.

Jack: This is the guy that’s supposed to help lead the Rockets to the promised land.

These days, I’m letting God handle all things above me. The things I can’t change are the reasons you love me: Which player in this series do you love watching despite their flaws?

Wes: Despite his frustratingly inadequate post game, cheesy attitude and clear decline, I still love to watch Dwight Howard. When he’s playing well, he is still a beast on defense that can change the entire game.

Jack: Josh Smith. There are plenty of flaws in Josh Smith’s game, though he didn’t show many last round, but being boring is not one of them. That dude has always been fun to watch.

Pray the real live forever man, pray the fakes get exposed: What’s the most important matchup in this series, and who will have the upper hand?

Wes: Even if they aren’t guarding each other every possession, Chris Paul and James Harden will be matched up in your classic “quarterback vs quarterback” kind of way. Both will have to lead their respective teams and make big plays to win this series.

Jack: Going to agree with Wes here. Whoever wins the James Harden vs. Chris Paul matchup will go a long way in determining who wins the series. And even though he’s hobbled, I think Chris Paul gets it done just like he did last round against the Spurs.