Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Who has the edge at each position?

HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz knocks the ball away from James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 18, 2017 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. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell vs. James Harden

Donovan Mitchell, coming off an electric first-round series, will most likely not have to do much of the defending on James Harden. That duty will fall on Joe Ingles.

Harden and Mitchell, however, will provide us with dynamic scoring for both sides throughout the series.

Mitchell is fresh off a series in which he out-dueled All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Harden, however, is the future league MVP and will provide an even tougher matchup for the rookie.

Harden, who has flourished next to Paul, averaged 29 points, 7.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds in Houston’s first-round matchup against the Timberwolves. Whether you like it or not, Harden also is a master of drawing fouls and getting to the line.

Only three other players in the history of the game really combine the efficiency of offense, the usage rate and the passing of James Harden

LeBron James
Michael Jordan
Larry Bird pic.twitter.com/cEyPjM640Q
— David Locke (@DLocke09) April 29, 2018

Mitchell has been fantastic in his inaugural postseason, however, he isn’t quite on the level of Harden. Much like the first round, it’ll be fun to see Mitchell matchup with some of the league’s best.

Advantage: Houston