Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Eastern Conference Playoff Field

By Michael Saenz

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 11
Next
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; A fan sits atop a tree in front of the LeBron James mural during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; A fan sits atop a tree in front of the LeBron James mural during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Projected Starting Lineup: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson

The defending NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers will still be the prohibitive favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference. No surprise. Of course, this is all assuming that LeBron James and J.R. Smith eventually re-sign with the Cavs. And they will.

In the offseason, the Cavs also helped to stabilize their depth by trading for Mike Dunleavy and adding Chris Andersen in free agency.

must read: NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Western Conference Playoff Picture

As long as LeBron James is healthy, the Eastern Conference will go through Cleveland. And that’s probably not going to change anytime soon.

Home/NBA News