– Guards must play defense
One of the keys for the Lakers against the Rockets will be trying to slow down the combination of Westbrook and Harden. This is arguably the best offensive backcourt in the NBA, and these guys can win a game with their skills in the backcourt.
For the Lakers, they have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, and a lot of that has to do with how they guard the perimeter. Guys like Avery Bradley, Danny Green, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are going to have their work cut out for them on Saturday night, because the Rockets run a majority of their offense through Harden and Westbrook.
While completely stopping Harden and Westbrook is unlikely, the Lakers can try to slow them down. Funneling the Rockets guards into the size in the paint for the Lakers has worked this season, as JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis could either block or alter shots at the rim.
If Harden and Westbrook get frustrated by the bigs going to basket, they might start to settle for jump shots. This would obviously make things easier on the guards for the Lakers, and potentially help result in a win.