2009 NBA Playoffs Matchup Breakdown: Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets tonight for Game 1 of the 2009 Western Conference semifinals. This series looks to be a true test for both teams, as the Rockets look to knock off the defending Western Conference champs.

This series will come down to matchups. Both teams have plenty of star power but the reserves will also need to step it up if they plan to gain an advantage over their opponents.

Yao Ming vs. Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol

Probably the biggest factor in the series for Houston will be whether or not Yao Ming can dominate in the post.

Yao is currently averaging 15.8 points and 10.7 rebounds to go along with 1.17 blocks in the playoffs. He's going to have to be the Rockets' main scorer and average close to 20+ points every night in order to keep Houston in this series.

The Lakers have the luxury of throwing two 7-footers at Yao, in Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The only problem with that is Bynum's lack of production in the playoffs. He averaged a low five points and three rebounds in just over 15 minutes per game against the Utah Jazz in the first round, with the majority of his minutes going to Lamar Odom.

Gasol's postseason production hasn't changed much from what he did in the regular season, averaging 18.4 points and nine rebounds, to go along with 1.6 blocks in almost 40 minutes per game.

The Lakers are going to need him to keep up his level of play and step up against Yao Ming on defense to close the door on the Rockets.

Ron Artest/Shane Battier vs. Kobe Bryant

In the last Lakers-Rockets meeting, Ron Artest chose to let his mouth play defense for him. In doing so, while he was busy talking trash, Kobe lit him up for 37 points and the win.

This matchup might be the most important of the series.

Artest and Battier were able to shut down LeBron James earlier in the season, leaving him with zero assists for the first time in his career.

If the two can showcase a similar defensive performance, the Rockets may have a chance.

On the other hand, Bryant averaged 28.3 points per game against the Rockets (nearly two more than his season average) and shot 53.3% from three point range (almost 20% more than his season average).

Bryant tends to have some of his best games against the Rockets and will look to continue that trend throughout this series.

One slight cause for concern is the fact that Bryant missed Sunday's practice with a sore throat and what some of his teammates said were flu-like symptoms.

The main question is: will Kobe be overcome by sickness and have a bad game or can he muster up a "Jordan-esque" playoff performance?

X-Factors

This series could also come down to both teams' bench performance.

The Lakers' Lamar Odom, who was recently moved into the starting lineup, could see some of his minutes reduced to allow Bynum to matchup against Yao. He has proven to be one of the Lakers' most valuable players, bumping his averages from 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in the regular season to 17.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in the playoffs.

For the Rockets, their x-factor will be undrafted shooting guard Von Wafer. He showed glimpses of stardom in the series against the Portland Trailblazers, putting up 21 points in their Game 2 loss.

Wafer averaged 16.7 points while shooting 58.3% from the field in the Rockets' season series against the Lakers. He provides the Rockets with energy off the bench and his presence on the floor can help them keep up with the Lakers' up-tempo style of play.

Final Notes

The Lakers swept the season series against the Rockets in four games. Even with Kobe and the Lakers showing Ron Artest up in the series, he still had something to say.

Prior to Game 6, Artest told TNT's Craig Sager that Portland guard Brandon Roy was "the best player [he's] played against," adding that Roy is better than LeBron and Kobe. His reasoning being that Roy was the only player in Artest's career to score 40 points against him.

I'm not sure if that was smart of Artest to say going in to this matchup. We'll have to wait and see if Artest's comments have any effect on Kobe's performance in this series and if Bryant can change his mind.

Prediction: Lakers in 6

ESPN.com contributed to this report.