Jan 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Weak Eastern Conference
Even without their season-changing acquisitions this year, the Cleveland Cavaliers were still going to have a legitimate chance at making the NBA Finals.
Why?
Well, because they reside in the (L)Eastern Conference and not the gauntlet that the Western Conference has slowly transitioned into the last handful of seasons.
Going through the Atlanta Hawks — with all due respect to them — and a depleted Chicago Bulls team is going to be much easier than having to fight through a tough opponent in every series out West. And with the Cavs’ midseason additions, it’s just going to be that much easier.
Unfortunately, there’s probably a good chance that the Cavs aren’t even going to have to go through both the Bulls and Hawks. In essence, the Cavs could have (unofficially) two byes before they have to face either the Bulls or Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The East!
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