10 NBA Stars Who Will Choke in the First Round of 2015 Playoffs

10. James Harden

James Harden may very well win the NBA MVP, but he hasn't been as good in the playoffs as regular season throughout his career. In the Western Conference, where almost any team can beat any other team, he's at the top of his game. He's going to have to play defense in the playoffs and that's going to tire him out on the offensive end.

9. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk is getting old and if he doesn't majorly step up against the Rockets, the Mavericks are going to be going home early. While him nearing the end of the line may motivate him even further, he may come up just short.

8. Kevin Love

Just like Chris Bosh was for the Heat with LeBron James, Kevin Love is the least clutch of the three players in "The Big Three." He plays zero defense and LeBron and Kyrie Irving should be shouldering most of the offensive workload. This means Love may be the clear weak link on a strong Cavaliers team.

7. Derrick Rose

When he's healthy, Derrick Rose is dynamite. However, he's never healthy anymore and if he stays healthy throughout the playoffs, it would be a surprise. Therefore, he might choke in the playoffs by simply not being able to stay healthy and anchor his team.

6. Dwight Howard

Even though Dwight Howard missed a large chunk of this season, the Rockets need him to step up in the playoffs. He's never seemed like a guy too concerned with winning, and that lack of intensity could be bad news. Not that he will care much, but he's unlikely to be able to overcome opposing defenses with his relaxed attitude.

5. Blake Griffin

The Clippers seem like a team that can never get over the hump and Blake Griffin's performance is at the heart of that. Add to that the fact that the Clippers have to play the defending champion Spurs in the first round, and it looks like Griffin's team could be headed to another early playoff exit.

4. Jeff Teague

Teague is just turning into a star in the NBA and the bright lights of the playoffs may just be a bit too bright for him. The Hawks should be able to get past the first round, but Teague could still struggle and cause people to panic for the later rounds.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge is one of the NBA's fastest rising stars, but he got a really tough draw in the first round of the playoffs. The Grizzlies play rough and tough defense, and Aldridge is going to get beat up down low. By the end of the series, he will be too hesitant in the paint to make a difference.

2. John Wall

John Wall has really taken off this season, but he hasn't had a huge amount of playoff success in the past. While that could change this season, he's taking on the Raptors who have long, lengthy guards capable of causing problems for him. He will have to really step up in order to avoid choking in the first round.

1. Chris Paul

Like it was mentioned earlier, the Clippers always tend to choke in the playoffs. Even more so than Blake Griffin, the team's point guard, Chris Paul, tends to be at the heart of the team's struggles. With the veteran savvy the Spurs have, they will find ways to disrupt Paul to the point he becomes ineffective down the stretch.