Apr 17, 2015
Armstrong's first-round NBA playoff picks
TSN's Jack Armstrong breaks down all eight first-round match-ups and gives you his picks in the Western and Eastern Conferences.
Hello!!!!! I can't wait for the NBA Playoffs to start with the first game of the postseason right here on TSN with the Wizards vs. Raptors on Saturday afternoon. It should be a blast and enjoy all of the playoffs.
Here are my quick predictions for the first round. Based upon my NCAA Tournament predictions, just go the opposite of me and you'll be just fine!
Western Conference:
1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. New Orleans Pelicans:
Just too much depth, skill and solid D in the Bay Area.
WARRIORS in five.
2. Houston Rockets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks:
These Mavs haven't been as consistent as they've been in the past and James Harden is way too much for Dallas to handle.
ROCKETS in six.
3. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 6. San Antonio Spurs:
This should be a fabulous series with no Donald Sterling distractions this year for the Clippers. The Spurs' savvy, experience and team chemistry will be the difference.
SPURS in seven.
4. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 5. Portland Trail Blazers:
The Blazers are just too banged up on the perimeter to overcome the tough physical play of Memphis.
GRIZZLIES in six.
Eastern Conference:
1. Atlanta Hawks vs. 8. Brooklyn Nets:
Atlanta has had a wonderful season and it won't end here. The Nets have the tools to make it difficult, but the Hawks have too much team play in their DNA and will get by a team that underachieved this season.
HAWKS in six.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7. Boston Celtics:
It's just the beginning of a long run for LeBron and co. Brad Stevens has done a brilliant job with a limited Boston team, but it ends here.
CAVS in five.
3. Chicago Bulls vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks:
These teams are close enough in proximitt that they can bus to each other's arena, so the bus rides might be the highlight for some players. Too much size, experience and upper-end talent for the Bucks to overcome here. I mentioned Brad Stevens before and Jason Kidd has done an outstanding job, as well, especially considering that they lost Jabari Parker very early and traded Brandon Knight.
BULLS in six.
4. Toronto Raptors vs. 5. Washington Wizards:
This series will be an absolute dog fight. There is very little separating these teams. Can the Raptors bench still be a factor in the postseason considering you can load up your starters' minutes due to longer TV timeouts, as well as days off between every game? If I'm Randy Wittman, there is no way I'm allowing my substitutes to play long stretches and I'll make Greivis Vasquez, Lou Williams and Patrick Patterson have to beat my elite players. The Raptors have to keep the Wizards out of transition (by taking care of the ball and exhibiting outstanding shot-selection) and, on the defensive end, they must contain the dribble, guard the Wall and Gortat screen oll, get out on the 3-ball and rebound the heck out of the ball. A consistent level of passionate, desperate play is needed, which hasn't always been the case the past few months. This series could come down to one play. Bring it on!
RAPTORS in seven.