New on SI: Video: Why James Harden, Rockets Must Beat Chris Paul, Thunder in the NBA Playoffs

SI's Robin Lundberg breaks down why there is so much at stake for James Harden and the Houston Rockets to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

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Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to meet in the first round of the NBA playoffs in what is sure to be an intriguing series.

But for the Rockets in particular there is a lot at stake. Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg explains how this series and matchup between James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul could serve as a referendum on the Houston franchise as a whole.