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

By Jerran Anderson

Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images
Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images /

Individual matchups

PG: Ricky Rubio vs. Russell Westbrook

The emergence of Ricky Rubio has been something to keep an eye on this season. He’s averaging 13.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Jazz in his first year. He’ll have his hands full with Russell Westbrook in this series, but he can do his part to slow Westbrook down.  Westbrook controls where the Thunder rise and fall in this series. Advantage: Thunder

SG: Donovan Mitchell vs. Corey Brewer

The Oklahoma City Thunder took a hit when they lost Andre Roberson, their best defender, to a knee injury back in January. Since his injury, the Thunder have posted a defensive rating of 107.0. With him in the rotation, their defensive rating was 103.1. They’ve made some headway with Corey Brewer in the rotation, but Donovan Mitchell should have his way at the off-guard position. Advantage: Jazz

SF:  Joe Ingles vs. Paul George

Joe Ingles is Utah’s best 3-point shooter and has emerged this season as a volume scorer. He isn’t a player to slouch on, but the playoffs are a different beast for Paul George. George averaged 28.0 points per game last season for the Indiana Pacers in the postseason, and this year should be no different despite the change of uniform. Advantage: Thunder

PF: Derrick Favors vs. Carmelo Anthony

The Utah Jazz have gotten the most out of Derrick Favors since trading away Rodney Hood and acquiring Jae Crowder in the frontcourt. Favors is averaging 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game this season. For the Thunder, they need to work Carmelo Anthony into a lather as he’s the X-factor in the series. Advantage: Draw

C: Steven Adams vs. Rudy Gobert

The Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder have two gritty defenders in Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams. This is an intriguing matchup to keep an eye on as both players are considered solid paint protectors for their squads. Gobert holds the overall edge in terms of offensive game but Adams still is no slouch. Advantage: Jazz