NBA: One team every playoff favorite should want to avoid in the first round

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during action against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 22, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers

Who they should want to avoid in the first round: Utah Jazz

The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last few weeks, but so have the Utah Jazz. In fact, the Jazz are playing absolutely absurd defense over the last few weeks – and that’s exactly what should scare the Blazers the most.

Utah has given Portland trouble this season, beating them two out of their three meetings, and are playing their best basketball as the season slowly comes to an end.

Donovan Mitchell is the type of player that can go toe-to-toe with Damian Lillard and/or C.J. McCollum, and Rudy Gobert could absolutely terrorize their interior defense.

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