3. (4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Oklahoma City Thunder
It was always going to end this way.
The Rockets and Thunder pulled off a summer blockbuster trade that swapped opposing point guards Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, now they meet in the first round of the playoffs. The emotion of Westbrook playing on the opposition in playoff games in Chesapeake Energy Arena would’ve been electric. Not only will all the games take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, but Westbrook could miss a few games due to a strained quadriceps muscle.
Nonetheless, this is a fun matchup with a contrast in styles. The Rockets like to get up 3-pointers quick and often, while the Thunder grind it out in the halfcourt and pick you apart with their guards from the mid-range.
Hopefully, Westbrook makes a speedy recovery and makes it back to lineup as soon as possible. A backcourt battle of Westbrook and James Harden going up against Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is worthy of the hype. Although, the battle down low between P.J Tucker and Steven Adams might steal the show.