Jack Armstrong’s first-round playoff predictions The postseason matchups are set, so it’s time for TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong to make his first-round predictions.

Jack Armstrong TSN Basketball Analyst Archive

The postseason matchups are set, so it’s time for TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong to make his first-round predictions.

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Western Conference

#1 Warriors vs. #8 Rockets

Jack’s pick: Warriors in five.

The defending champions have way too much firepower for Houston. The Rockets have been dysfunctional all season long.

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#2 Spurs vs. #7 Grizzlies

Jack’s pick: Spurs in four.

The Grizzlies are decimated with a long list of injuries, led by starting point guard Mike Conley and star centre Marc Gasol. The deep and talented Spurs will have little trouble taking them apart in a sweep.

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#3 Thunder vs. # 6 Mavericks

Jack’s pick: Thunder in five.

OKC has the big guns in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, while the Mavs have laboured down the stretch. Expect the Thunder’s athleticism to win out.

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# 4 Clippers vs. #5 Blazers

Jack’s pick: Clippers in six.

Portland’s wonderful guard combo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum will at least make this series interesting, but the Clips will live to fight on before flaming out in the second round.

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Eastern Conference

#1 Cavaliers vs. #8 Pistons

Jack’s pick: Cavs in five.

Stan Van Gundy's young bunch will scratch and claw for one win in this series, but LeBron and Co. have bigger fish to fry.

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#2 Raptors vs. #7 Pacers

Jack’s pick: Raptors in six.

This will be a tough, hard-fought series. The Raptors have to prove in a slow, ugly series that they can grind out court offensive possessions and get high percentage shots from players beyond Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. They will also need timely stops from their improved but still-a-work-in-progress defence. They'll find a way this time.

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#3 Heat vs. #6 Hornets

Jack’s pick: Heat in seven.

This series will be a dandy. The Hornets are playing very well right now. They guard well and make a lot threes. That said, the Heat is too talented a bunch to lose this series. Joe Johnson will be a load for the Hornets to deal with, and Dwyane Wade will get the benefit of the doubt from the officials, which always helps at this time of year.

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#4 Hawks vs. #5 Celtics

Jack’s pick: Celtics in six.

I’m picking the lower seed here, but it’s not really an upset. These two squads are so evenly matched. I just like Boston's perimeter quickness and toughness taking Atlanta out of their finesse style.