The Rockets always were offensive-inclined, but now with Chris Paul back full throttle they could be the highest scoring team in the NBA. Houston has scored 117 points or more in each of its last five games.

What makes this Over work, though, is Utah also has been high scoring. The Jazz were averaging 115.5 points in their last six games - all victories - until running out of gas in their last game two nights ago against Oklahoma City. The Thunder is a very good defensive team. Still, the Jazz were leading 80-68 after three quarters before falling down due to fatigue.

This will be Rudy Gobert's third game back since returning from injury. His presence as perhaps the best rim protector in the Western Conference do affect the dynamics of Utah. However, the Jazz transformed themselves into more of an up-tempo, offensive-minded team when Gobert was out. They had success at it, too. So they are not going to completely revert back to their half-court ways. Plus Gobert still is working his way back into playing shape. Donovan Mitchell is becoming a below-the-radar star averaging 29.3 points in his last four games.

No team fires up more 3-pointers than the Rockets. They are a long-range perimeter team no matter who the opponent is so Gobert has less effect on them. Gobert played in the team's first meeting. It was no contest. The Rockets buried the Jazz, 137-110, at home on Nov. 5. James Harden had a career-high 56 points. The Rockets didn't have Paul for that game either. Harden and the Rockets are even more potent with Paul.