Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz first-round series detailed preview

2 of 4

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Utah Jazz (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Team ratings

The Jazz and the Rockets are practically opposites in terms of how they play and it shows in their team ratings this year. For the season as a whole, the Rockets had the second-best offensive rating (114.8) and the 18th-best defensive rating (110.1).

The Jazz, on the other hand, were top-tier defensively (No. 2, 105.2) and middle of the pack offensively (No. 14, 110.2). Both Houston and Utah got off to slow starts this season and it showed in their ratings.

If we dive deeper, however, there’s a different storyline here. Since the All-Star Break, the numbers are very different. Houston still has the second-best offensive rating (116.0), but skyrocketed to the second-best defensive in the league as well (105.3).

Utah was the only team better on the defensive end, posting a 104.8 rating. On offense, they improved as well, having the fourth-best rating in that time period (114.4). The additions like Kyle Korver as well as improved play all-around really solidified their place as a great team.

In short, both teams have been fantastic on both ends of the court going into the postseason. It should be a fun matchup.

Next: Personnel comparison