Game Preview: Warriors v Jazz

The Golden State Warriors play host to the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of the Western
Conference semifinals, at Oracle Arena on Tuesday evening. The Warriors have had
over week of rest since sweeping their first-round series against the Trail
Blazers, while the Jazz only get one day between their Game 7 win in Los Angeles
and Game 1 in Golden State. Despite the lack of rest, the Jazz are healthier
than they had been for most of the regular season. On the other hand, the
Warriors are near full strength, as Kevin Durant, who missed two games with a
calf injury and Shaun Livingston (finger), should be ready for action, while
Matt Barnes (foot) is listed as probable. The Warriors won the season series
against the Jazz, 2-1, as they dropped the final meeting at home in the
second-to-last game of the season. The Warriors averaged a league-best 115.9
points per game during the regular season, but the Jazz held them to 106 points
or less in their three meetings. The Jazz owned the best defense in the regular
season, where they held opponents to an average of 96.8 points per game. Gordon
Hayward only played in one of three matchups against the Warriors during the
season. He averaged 23.7 points per game in the first round, and is a major
factor for the Jazz. Rudy Gobert played in all three contests versus the
Warriors during the regular season and averaged 16.0 points, 17.3 rebounds and
1.7 blocks per game. Gobert was solid in the first round despite missing most of
three games with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, the Warriors cruised through the
first round behind 29.8 points per game from Stephen Curry, on 45 percent
shooting, including 42 percent from long range, while Klay Thompson added 18.3
points per game. Draymond Green averaged 11.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists
and 3.7 steals versus the Jazz during the regular season.