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