2018 NBA Playoffs: Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz preview

The Western Conference semifinals matchup between the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz is a battle of vastly different systems.

With a franchise-best 65 wins in the regular season, the most in the NBA, the Houston Rockets are hoping to make a run to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1996.

Their offense — one that shot more 3s than 2s during the regular season — is predicated on James Harden and Chris Paul breaking the defense down and creating for both themselves and the vast amount of 3-point shooters Houston has, including Eric Gordon and Gerald Green.

With versatile defenders in Trevor Ariza and P.J. Tucker, including rebounding and shot-blocking extraordinaire Clint Capela, the Rockets are one of the most versatile teams in the league.

After dismantling the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round in five games, Houston will look to keep the momentum going in this second round matchup.

The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, weren’t supposed to be here. Losing All-Star Gordon Hayward in free-agency was supposed to send Utah into a rebuild, and after a 19-28 start to the season, that looked to be the case.

Led by rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell and a Coach of the Year candidate in Quin Snyder, the Jazz went on an 11-game winning streak in early March to help propel them to the fifth spot in the Western Conference.

After a beautiful defensive effort in their first round matchup against the star-studded Oklahoma City Thunder, the Jazz will need more of the same if they hope to pull off another upset in these playoffs.