2018 NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz preview

The Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder face off in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs in the always-exciting 4-5 matchup.

The Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder kick off their first round matchup in the 2018 NBA Playoffs this Sunday. As the fourth seed, the Thunder won their final three games of the regular season to finish with a 48-34 record.

Russell Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in back-to-back seasons, but that storyline took a backseat to the acquisition of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. To his credit, Westbrook averaging a triple-double is no easy feat and it will be something to keep an eye on in the playoffs.

Utah enters the postseason as the Western Conference’s fifth seed after posting a record of 48-34 as well. They finished three wins shy of last season’s win total of 51. With rookie Donovan Mitchell leading the offense, they seem to be in good shape.

During the regular season, Oklahoma City won the series 3-1 with three meetings coming in the month of December. The Thunder hold the edge in the experience department, even though this is the first playoffs for Anthony since 2013. Westbrook and George have been here before, while this is Mitchell’s first taste of playoff basketball.

This is one series that could definitely go seven games. Here’s a look at the series preview between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz.