NBA Playoffs 2019: Power ranking the first-round matchups

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons on January 29, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball pursued by Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in the second half at Toyota Center on December 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

1. Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz

On paper, this sounds like a Western Conference Semifinals matchup rather than a first-round battle. The Houston Rockets were in contention for the West’s No. 2 seed up until the final day of the regular season, but the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers instead pushed them down to No. 4.

That’s terrible news for the Utah Jazz, who have the misfortune of drawing the red-hot Rockets in the opening round of the playoffs.

Since the All-Star break, the Rockets led the NBA in both net rating (plus-10.7) and win percentage (.800). The Jazz weren’t far behind, ranking second in net rating (plus-9.5) and third in win percentage (.720), trailing only Houston and Portland.

The Jazz have the unenviable task of slowing down MVP candidate James Harden, who this season became the first player in 30-plus years to average at least 36 points. Dante Exum did an admirable job harassing Harden when the two teams met in the Western Conference Semifinals last season, but he’s sidelined with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.

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Without Exum, the Jazz will have to rely on some combination of Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles, Royce O’Neale and Jae Crowder to make life difficult for Harden. Meanwhile, Harden and Clint Capela figure to pick-and-roll the Jazz into submission, attempting to draw reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert out away from the rim or into foul trouble.

The Rockets beat the Jazz in five games last season, but second-year guard Donovan Mitchell is now one year older and more seasoned. The potential of a mano-a-mano showdown between Harden and Mitchell makes this the best first-round matchup of all, even if the Jazz aren’t as likely to pull off an upset as some other teams in the West.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Basketball Insiders.

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