2018 NBA Playoffs: Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves preview

Individual matchups

PG: Chris Paul vs. Jeff Teague

I like Teague’s game more than most people, although the inconsistency is frustrating. CP3 is levels ahead of him though. Expect the Point God to isolate frequently if matched up with Teague. Advantage: Rockets

SG: James Harden vs. Jimmy Butler

This is the best individual matchup in the first round of the playoffs, with two of the 3-4 best shooting guards in the NBA going head-to-head. The league’s best offensive player against one of the best perimeter defenders. If Harden guards Butler, they could each put up 40. You have to side with Harden, though. Advantage: Rockets

SF: Trevor Ariza vs. Andrew Wiggins

These two essentially have the same role, and Ariza is the better defender and shooter. I don’€™t expect Ariza to guard Wiggins, which could open the door for Wiggins against Harden. I’d also like to see Wiggins continue his effort from the final game in the playoffs and take time guarding Chris Paul. I’€™ll slightly side with Ariza due to playoff experience. Advantage: Rockets

PF: P.J. Tucker vs. Taj Gibson

This is a low-key important matchup. Can Tucker keep Gibson off the glass (more on this shortly)? Tucker gives up plenty of size to Taj, and I expect Gibson to have his way in this matchup. Advantage: Timberwolves

C: Clint Capela vs. Karl Anthony-Towns

Capela is the better rim protector, but KAT is much more advanced offensively. KAT will have his trouble defending the pick-and-roll, and Capela may not even guard Towns, opting to have him bang down low with Gibson if KAT roams the perimeter. Towns is the clear choice, and should be heavily relied upon in this series. Advantage: Timberwolves