NBA Playoffs: First-Round Matchup Projections
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Utah Jazz
The Oklahoma City Thunder (48-34) and Utah Jazz (48-34) could not be more evenly matched. Apart from having identical win-loss records, the two teams are neck and neck in nERD, with the Jazz ranking fifth in our year-end power rankings with a mark of 61.3 and the Thunder coming in sixth at 60.3.
Our 52.51% projection in favor of OKC represents our closest odds of all eight first-round series, barely edging out the 52.79% we give the Portland Trail Blazers to beat the New Orleans Pelicans.
| Outcome | (4) Oklahoma City Thunder | (5) Utah Jazz |
|---|---|---|
| Win in 4 | 5.45% | 6.03% |
| Win in 5 | 14.59% | 10.62% |
| Win in 6 | 13.52% | 17.95% |
| Win in 7 | 18.95% | 12.89% |
| Win series | 52.51% | 47.49% |
