‘Playoff Bound’ (Melissa Majchrzak - NBAE/Getty Images)

In a repeat of last year the Jazz will play the first round against the Rockets. It all starts Saturday night in Houston and after a game on Monday returns to the EnergySolutions Arena on Thursday.

Not a Push Over
Considering the Jazz win over the Rockets on Monday night and the injury to Yao Ming a Jazz fan might decide this match-up is strongly in the favor of the Jazz. Let me caution you. Since Jan 1st, the Rockets have the best record in the NBA at 41-10. The Rockets have won 22 of their last 24 games at the Toyota Center and the Jazz will have to win a game on the road to win the Series.

Style of Play
The Rockets are a unique team. They play one of the slowest paces of play in the NBA. At the same time, they shot the three on 21% of their possessions. In contrast, the Jazz shot the three point shot on just 14% of their possessions.

Defensively, the Rockets take away the three point shot. They only allow opponents to shot the three on 15% of their possessions which is the lowest rate in the NBA. In three games against the Rockets the Jazz hit 11 of 42 three point attempts. The Rockets have not allowed Deron Williams to shot the three this season, he is 1 for 6 in three games.

One reason the Jazz won two games in the regular season against the Rockets was defensive rebounding. The grabbed 78% of the potential defensive rebounds in the three games. That a good deal better than the Jazz season average and holds the Rockets well below their average of 29% of the offensive rebounds.

A Good Match-Up
It is a mistake the look at the Rockets in a traditional sense. They play a unique style that is based in a different philosophy. However, the match-up is a good one for the Jazz.

The Rockets starting point guard, Rafer Alston, has a strained hamstring and will definitely miss the first two games and maybe the series. Therefore, Deron Williams, the Jazz greatest strength, will match-up on a tenacious but aging Bobby Jackson and rookie Aaron Brooks. Look for the Rockets to play Shane Battier, the league’s best defender, on Williams at some point.

In addition, Carlos Boozer has played very well against the Rockets. The Rockets allow Carlos to get his mid-range jumper and he has averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds per game in three games against the Rockets.

The Rockets strength is their defense. The Jazz strength is their offense. When the Jazz have been right this year their offense has been able to score against the best defenses in the NBA. If the Jazz stay focused and execute this series should be no different.