Bench
I gave Utah’s second unit the edge in their first-round matchup with OKC and they largely disappointed.
Jae Crowder had some effective stretches, however, he was largely ineffective outside of his 27-point Game 5.
Alec Burks also earned some prizes for his Game 6 minutes in relief of the injured Rubio. Burks provided some much-needed offense for the Jazz. It will be interesting to see if his role increases in the second round.
Players like Exum and Jonas Jerebko, on the other hand, were non-factors in the series.
The Jazz do, however, have the talent necessary to match up with Houston. And while depth isn’t as much of a factor in the postseason, their ability to mold lineups to match up with Houston is invaluable.
There is no questioning Utah’s depth on the bench, however, Houston has possibly the league’s best sixth man in Eric Gordon.
Gordon average 18 points per game off of Houston’s bench during the regular season, making over three three-pointers per game.
If the Jazz second unit doesn’t rise up to the occasion, Gordon alone may have what it takes to outscore Utah’s reserves.
Houston’s second unit hasn’t been great, ranking 8th among the 16 playoff teams. In comparison, the Jazz have been the 14th best unit of the postseason.
Based on recent play and the Eric Gordon factor, I have to give this one to Houston. Again, though, this one is close.
Advantage: Houston