Houston Rockets: The Jazz are a better opponent than the Thunder

The Houston Rockets are one game away from round two. Take a look why the Jazz are better opponents than the Thunder.

The Houston Rockets currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This third win was history for Houston, as they scored 50 points in the third quarter. The team will look to wrap up this matchup today back in Houston.

As the first round is nearly over, it is time to take a look at the potential second-round matchup. Currently, the Jazz hold the same lead over the Thunder, 3-1. They’ll look to wrap up the series in OKC today, as well. The potential for the Jazz-Thunder to go beyond five games is higher than the Rockets-Wolves.

This series could easily go to seven games. Russell Westbrook has that ability by himself, let alone adding Carmelo Anthony and Paul George to the mix. They all have game-changing ability and could take over at any second. It’ll be interesting to see if they can win three in a row.

In 2018, the Rockets beat the Jazz all four times they matched up. The Thunder beat the Rockets twice, while the Rockets only won once. That being said, the Utah Jazz are a significantly better opponent for the Houston Rockets.

Why the Jazz are the better opponent

Two of Utah’s biggest strengths are the prowess of Rudy Gobert and star power of rookie Donovan Mitchell. The Houston Rockets have more than enough ability to negate both of those strengths

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Clint Capela has proved in the first round that he is a top-five center in the league. While Gobert is also top-five, Capela is a little more dynamic. Gobert is widely known for his shot blocking ability, but there isn’t much beyond that. His rebounding is average and his points aren’t where you’d want them for a franchise cornerstone.

Capela has the ability to climb near 30 points if he’s fed all night long. He has also shown in round one that he’s not afraid to go up against anyone for a rebound. As I’ve stated previously, the Houston Rockets championship hopes ride or die with Capela.

As far as the rookie phenom goes, the Rockets have plenty of options against him. Houston is loaded with incredible, versatile defenders. Chris Paul, PJ Tucker, Trevor Ariza, and Luc Mbah a Moute, if healthy, could all easily put the clamps on him.

However, The Jazz absolutely have the better team defense. But, there are fewer players to watch out for. The offensive games of Anthony, George, and Westbrook, honestly, frighten me. The Jazz don’t have those same offensive weapons. That is why the Jazz are the better opponent for the Rockets.

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Ultimately, there are no “great” matchups in the playoffs. However, looking at regular season record and the player matchups this is the better one.

So, Rockets fans, when you tune in tomorrow to watch the Rockets beat the wolves you’ll have something to do on commercials. You can flip to the Jazz-Thunder game to keep tabs on who they’ll be playing. Root for the Jazz so the Rockets have the best path to a championship!

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