Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets (Game 5): Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

What: Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets

Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, UT

When: Wednesday, April 24th at 8:00 PM EST

How (TV): TNT

Series Standing: 3-1 HOU

Utah Jazz (Away)

Head Coach: Quin Snyder {All-Time 227-183 | UTA}

Season Record: 50-32

Projected Starting Five: (G) Ricky Rubio – (G) Donovan Mitchell – (F) Joe Ingles – (F) Jae Crowder – (C) Rudy Gobert

Top Performers:

• G Donovan Mitchell – 23.8 PPG | 4.2 APG | 1.4 SPG
• C Rudy Gobert – 15.9 PPG | 12.9 RPG | 2.3 BPG
• G Ricky Rubio – 12.7 PPG | 6.1 APG | 1.3 SPG

The Utah Jazz were beginning to look outmatched in their first three matches against the Houston Rockets. Their blistering pace mixed with the Jazz’s inability to keep up scoring the ball was incredibly concerning.

In Game 4 however, the Utah Jazz were able to rally together when it counted most. After a hotly contested three quarters, Utah closed the match with a 31-12 fourth period to prevent being swept.

The Jazz were able to limit the Rockets in the paint, but it is unlikely they’ll have that luck once again. They will look to slow the Rockets starters, as the Houston bench is sure to rebound from a disappointing five-point outing.

Houston Rockets (Home)

Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni {All-Time 628-499 | PHX, NYK, LAL, HOU}

Season Record: 53-29

Projected Starting Five: (G) Chris Paul – (G) James Harden – (G) Eric Gordon – (F) P.J. Tucker – (C) Clint Capela

Top Performers:

• G James Harden – 36.1 PPG | 7.5 APG | .368 3P%
• C Clint Capela – 16.6 PPG | 12.7 RPG | 1.5 BPG
• G Chris Paul – 15.6 PPG | 8.2 APG | 2.0 SPG

The Houston Rockets lost their last game due to a horrendous fourth quarter. While they were in the game at times, they need to maintain their focus throughout if they hope to keep the Jazz from pulling it in their favor.

The Rockets starters are hardly to blame, as James Harden and Chris Paul led the way. On the other hand, the Houston bench produced a measly five points in support of their starting five.

The Utah Jazz defeated the Rockets in their last game via a team effort. Houston will need to show the same level of camaraderie if they hope to take down the Jazz and win the series.

What’s At Stake?

The Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz maintain a deep rivalry in the Western Conference. In 175 regular season games, the Jazz lead the Rockets 93-82.

Since 1985 the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets have shared a playoff series eight times. The Jazz lead the Rockets in series won 5-3, but the Rockets lead the overall playoff win matchup 25-23.

A win for the Houston Rockets would give them the series and give them a valuable rest period before the second round begins.

A win for the Utah Jazz would bring the series to 3-2 and bring Game 6 to Salt Lake City.

How Can the Jazz Make This A Series?

Game 4 against the Houston Rockets seemed to be one more in what would be an eventual sweep for the Houston Rockets over the Utah Jazz. Instead, from the second half on, the Jazz turned it up a notch and took Game 4 for themselves.

Donovan Mitchell began to heat up and took over the game. But it was contributions from all parties that helped the Jazz take the game. They’ve struggled to acquire balanced production since the beginning of the series, but Game 4 could be a telling sign of what’s to come.

Both Royce O’Neale and Derrick Favors contributed double-doubles off of the bench, while the likes of Thabo Sefolosha and Georges Niang provided admirable defensive effort. If the Jazz can come together as a squad once again, they might be able to pull this series back in their favor.

The Rockets Were Poor Across the Board

In Game 4 against the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets failed to stay competitive as the match wore on. While their starters kept them in the match, the Rockets’ bench failed to be productive.

Not a single player on the Rockets registered a positive +/- rating on the night. To compound on that, Austin Rivers was the only Rockets bench player to contribute to the scoreline – a mere five points.

It is against their style, but the Rockets need to push forward as a team and not rely solely on the likes of Harden and Paul for victory. The Jazz punished them in the second half, so the Rockets will need to kill their momentum as a unit.

Utah Jazz Roster Notes

G Dante Exum – 15 Mar 2019 – Out (Right Knee Pain) – An MRI revealed a torn patellar tendon in his right knee and will be out indefinitely according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Houston Rockets Roster Notes

The Houston Rockets have no roster changes of note.

X-Factors: Rudy Gobert (UTA) vs Clint Capela (HOU)

The center position for the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets has been inconsistent, to say the least. The series has been defined by perimeter play, but if one of Rudy Gobert or Clint Capela can establish themselves in Game 5, it could be their game for the taking.

Rudy Gobert

Center | 7-1, 245lb (216cm, 111kg) | France | Exp. 5 Years

15.9 PPG | 2.0 APG | 12.9 RPG | 0.8 SPG | 2.3 BPG | 1.6 TOV | .669 FG% | – 3P%

Since Game 1 in the series against the Rockets, Rudy Gobert has failed to reach the same heights. After contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds in Game 1, Gobert produced only 4 points and 9 rebounds in his most recent game.

The Jazz may have won their last game against the Houston Rockets, but there is still a lot to improve on. The Jazz specifically struggled from the field.

Considering the Jazz shot a paltry 31% from three in their last match, expect them to involve Gobert offensively to make up for their lack of rhythm.

Clint Capela

Center | 6-10, 240lb (208cm, 108kg) | Switzerland | Exp. 4 Years

16.6 PPG | 1.4 APG | 12.7 RPG | 0.7 SPG | 1.5 BPG | 1.4 TOV | .648 FG% | – 3P%

Clint Capela hasn’t looked his usual self in this series against the Jazz. after some wonder regarding his focus, the true concern is on his health.

Rockets center Clint Capela told ESPN he was diagnosed with two viruses (adenovirus and klebsiella) during a doctor visit Sunday. “It’s tough, man,” said Capela, who was told it will be another four days until he’s recovered. “I’m just going to fight it the best that I can.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 23, 2019

Capela has still been productive, despite his illnesses. He only played 27 minutes in Game 4, so it is a wonder how much he’ll play in this next match. Whatever he does contribute, the Rockets will need his interior offense and defense.

Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets Predictions and Odds

If you are in New Jersey you can place a bet on the Jazz vs Rockets NBA game, at one of these sportsbooks:

* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER