Whoever ends up at the 6 seed is going to be a good team, so no matter what it will be difficult. The 6/3 matchup will basically be no different than the 5/4, so the main benefit is getting to avoid the 1 seed in the second round. With all that said, here’s why I would choose to go up against Portland as opposed to Houston or OKC.
They are 7-3 in their last 10 (as are the Jazz), but they have been a soft team in the playoffs. Terry Stots is a good coach, but I think Quin is better. I’m also much more afraid of Harden and Paul George than I am of Dame.
It would probably be a 6-game battle, but I think the Jazz would win.