NBA Playoffs: Ranking Each First Round Match-Up

7 of 9

Mar 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half at Staples Center. The Clippers won 96-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

3.) (5) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (4) Los Angeles Clippers

Damian Lillard vs. Chris Paul, what more do you want?

Portland defied the odds and not only made the playoffs, but finished with the 5th seed out West…while losing FOUR starters over the summer. Watching Paul and Lillard go at each other will be the best individual match-up of the first round.

The match-up that will go under the radar will be the J.J. Redick vs C.J. McCollum battle. Can McCollum keep up with Redick coming off all the screens? Will Redick be able to stop the potential Most Improved Player of the Year?

Ultimately, I think DeAndre Jordan will be the deciding factor in this series but Portland could make it interesting. The fight that Terry Stotts has instilled in this team is second to none and Lillard could will them to a couple of victories. The only series out West that could reach six games.

Next: Hornets/Heat