The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Keys to a series win over the Houston Rockets

By Jared Woodcox

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz share a moment after the game between the two teams on December 18, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz share a moment after the game between the two teams on December 18, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 26: Joe Johnson #7 of the Houston Rockets and Joe Ingles #2 with Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz greet each other before the game on February 26, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 26: Joe Johnson #7 of the Houston Rockets and Joe Ingles #2 with Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz greet each other before the game on February 26, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Prediction

To me, the major difference between the Thunder who Utah faced in the first round and the Rockets who they’ll go on to battle in round two is that OKC has been erratic and inconsistent all year long whereas Houston has been about as solid and steady as they come. As such, for Utah to defeat the Rockets they’ll need to play nearly flawless basketball.

Unfortunately, especially with Ricky Rubio sidelined with the hamstring injury, I’m not sure that they’re capable of that. He has such an impact on making sure the offense is flowing and is an effective irritant on defense. Both of those traits will be severely missed while he recovers.

Rubio likely won’t be back until Game 4 or 5 at the earliest based on initial timelines. If the Jazz are able to steal a game, then his return could perhaps propel them to a series victory. If they’re down 3-0 or even 3-1 by the time he returns, though, it will likely be too little, too late.

Rubio’s availability aside, though, the Jazz would be in for a challenge no matter what. The Rockets outmatched them (as well as almost every other team in the NBA) during the regular season and could very well prove to be too much of a challenge in postseason play as well. If Utah can’t muster enough offense or if the threes start raining down for the Clutch City crew, the Jazz will likely find themselves overwhelmed.

I personally think the Jazz will take the fight to Houston and make it a tough series for them, but ultimately, the more talented, experienced and steady Rockets will arise victorious.

My Prediction: Rockets in 5

Next: Utah Jazz survived Game 6, but will need Ricky Rubio for series vs. Houston

Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz tips off on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 PM MT.

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