Western Conference Semifinals Playoff Preview

(1)Houston Rockets (65-17) Vs (5)Utah Jazz (48-34)

This series matchup features the top seeded Houston Rockets vs the 5th seed Utah Jazz. The Rockets swept the season series 4-0. Houston dominated the Jazz each time they met up this season winning by double digits every time. In the first meeting between these teams James Harden scored a then career high 56 points. Only in the last meeting did the Jazz manage to hold the Rockets under 100 points but they still lost that game by 11.

The Rockets advanced out of the first round by defeating the Timberwolves 4 games to 1. Houston will be huge favorites to win this series and advance to the Western Conference Finals. Their offense is clicking right now and the Jazz will have a tough time trying to slow the pace of the game with both James Harden and Chris Paul pushing the tempo.

The Jazz advanced to the 2nd round by defeating the Thunder 4 games to 2. This series presents a whole different set of problems for the Jazz. After contending with Russell Westbrook, now they get to try and slow down the MVP favorite James Harden. Unfortunately for the Jazz, they have lost Ricky Rubio for the first game of this series and maybe longer depending on his rehab. Houston scores over 40% of their points from beyond the 3 point arc. To have any chance in this series the Jazz will have to slow down the pace of the game and stop the 3 point attack of the Rockets. If they can somehow manage to do both they could get some wins in this series.

Judging from their recent history, I just don’t see the Jazz as having much a chance here. The Rockets are a well oiled offensive machine. The Jazz do excel on defense but I just don’t think they can stop Houston's offense while also putting up enough points to be in a position to win. I predict the Rockets win this series in 5 games.

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_{Author: @sevendst19
Editor: @bacchist}

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