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Well, it's version two of Rockets vs Jazz. Will this series have as much excitement in store? Last year's first-round matchup between these two teams seemed to be the only close series of the first round during last year's playoffs, and the only one to go seven games. The series featured incredible momentum swings, heroic performances, defensive clinics and plenty of emotional moments off the floor from both sides.

For the Jazz, their biggest concern is keeping McGrady in check. Last year they did an acceptable job at doing so, and this time around Okur will have a much easier defensive assignment with Yao out of the mix. Still, the Rockets are a dangerous team and can really knock down the 3 with Battier, Head and Alston roaming the perimeter. The Jazz's biggest focus really needs to be on the defensive end. They've shown an obvious weakness against the Spurs during the last game of the season allowing a 70%+ half from San Antonio in the last game of the season. Deron Williams' injury also appears to be minor, but only time will tell the story to it.

Houston looks to bounce back in this playoff series but seems to be backing into the playoffs a little bit. Ever since the Korver trade, the Jazz have been on their way up, but Houston fell 4 spots in the West since they saw their 22-game winning streak end. Still, the playoffs are a new season and anything can happen.

Houston will undoubtedly miss Yao. They'll need a superior defensive performance by Mutombo, Chuck Hayes and Landry to keep Boozer and Okur out of the paint and off the scoreboard as much as they can. McGrady is going to need to absolutely take this series over and abuse whoever is being put on him defensively. Without the aforementioned, the Rockets could be in deep trouble, especially if Boozer and Williams play the same way they did during last year's series.