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Utah Jazz: Four reasons to feel encouraged about Utah’s chances against Houston

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 2: on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 2: on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 6: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz passes off under the basket while being guarded by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City , Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 6: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz passes off under the basket while being guarded by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City , Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

Jazz have Rubio this time around

Ricky Rubio can certainly be one of Utah’s more frustrating players. Trust me, I’ve expressed my dissatisfaction with him as much as anyone. However, if the good version of Rubio shows up, there’s almost no denying that Utah’s ceiling becomes higher when he’s in action and performing well. His defense (if it’s present) and floor-general abilities will be much needed if the Jazz are going to match wits with the likes of Harden and Paul.

If you recall, he missed the entirety of last year’s series against the Rockets with that lingering hamstring injury. Considering the amount of time he’s missed this year, there’s no guaranteeing that he’ll be able to stay healthy again, but at least he ought to be back to start out the series. With that being the case, he should provide stability at the point guard spot which the Jazz will need.

If he can likewise be solid on defense and hit his open looks, he could push the Jazz to another level. Rubio was so good in the series against the Thunder a year ago, making light work of Russell Westbrook and Co., that when he missed the second-round series against Houston, it left a noticeable and disappointing void. He’ll have a chance to redeem himself this year, and his play could very well determine whether the Jazz advance or not.

The fact that he’ll be available and able to potentially impact his team in that way is reason for encouragement for Jazz fans. And it’s yet another certain upgrade over last season’s matchup.

Next. NBA Playoffs 2019: Utah Jazz could use some BLEEPING good karma. dark

So as you can see, the outlook is far from hopeless for the Jazz. They have some marked advantages in comparison to a season ago and could very well shock us in the first round. However, truth be told, while I think the Jazz will put up a much better fight than they did in the second round in 2018, I still foresee the Rockets ultimately coming out on top.

I believed such would be the case against both the Clippers and Thunder before, though, so hopefully I’ll miscalculate once again. The Jazz have certainly been in this position as counted out underdogs before, so we’ll see if they can yet again respond.

My Prediction: Houston wins series 4-2

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