Capsule and prediction for the Western Conference semifinal series between Golden State and Utah that begins Tuesday:
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No. 1 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (67-15, 4-0) vs. No. 5 UTAH JAZZ (51-31, 4-3)
Season series: Warriors, 2-1.
Story line: The rested Warriors, after a first-round sweep, face a Utah team that won the only series that went the distance in the first round. It’s a clash of styles between Golden State, the highest-scoring team in the NBA at 115.9 points per game, and a Jazz squad that allowed the fewest points per game during the regular season (96.8).
Key Matchup: Andre Iguodala vs. Joe Johnson. The veterans begin the game on the benches but will probably be on the floor down the stretch. Johnson, who had a great series against the Clippers, will be one of keys if the Jazz are able to keep the tempo at the slower pace they want and need to have a chance.
Prediction: Warriors in 5.
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Compiled by AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney
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More AP NBA: apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball
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