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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 /
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May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (left) listens to Hornets guard Kemba Walker (right) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 106-73. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (left) listens to Hornets guard Kemba Walker (right) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 106-73. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Just Missed The Cut

Washington Wizards – As much as I wanted to include John Wall making a return to the playoffs, I just couldn’t convince myself of this happening. While re-signing Bradley Beal was essential, the Wizards didn’t really make any other game-changing moves.

As was publicly discussed, the Wizards marginally missed on signing Al Horford away from the Atlanta Hawks. He ended up with the Boston Celtics instead, though. Even if Beal and Wall remain healthy for the entire season, I just don’t think they have enough to keep up in an improved Eastern Conference.

Charlotte Hornets – After becoming one of the best underdog story in the NBA last season, I also struggled to keep the Charlotte Hornets out of the top 8 in the East. However, after a summer in which the team lost Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson and Courtney Lee, I just couldn’t pencil them in. The losses will hurt.

The ultimate question with this team will be: how much will Michael Kidd-Gilchrist compensate for such losses?

Next: No. 8

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