NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Eastern Conference Playoff Field

Feb 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers won 111-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers won 111-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Raptors defeated the Suns 104-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Raptors defeated the Suns 104-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Toronto Raptors

Projected Starting Lineup: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll, Patrick Patterson, Jonas Valanciunas 

The good old faithful Toronto Raptors…wait what? The Raptors, as we’ve come accustomed to, are still that team that we always doubt. It seems nothing has changed since their most recent playoff run, in which they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

We all seem to forget that the Raptors will still have a say in who comes out of the East. Even though they lost Bismack Biyombo in free agency, they’re still (on paper) the second-best team in the East.

Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan creates arguably the second-best duo in the East – second to LeBron and whoever. Let’s not forget that.

Next: No. 1