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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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Jan 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives against Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives against Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Atlanta Hawks

Projected Starting Lineup: Dennis Schroder, Kyle Korver, Kent Bazemore, Paul Millsap, Dwight Howard

In the end, I don’t believe the Atlanta Hawks will be better with Dennis Schroder and Dwight Howard instead of Jeff Teague and Al Horford. I could be wrong, and for the Hawks’ sake I hope I am, but I just don’t see it.

While I don’t believe they’ll be as good as they were last season, I still believe that this team has enough talent – and the right coaching – to still finish in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference. I don’t think they’ll finish in the top 4 or 5, as some are projecting, but I have them finishing in the 7th slot.

This is subject to change depending on how the injury bug travels through the Eastern Conference, but I feel pretty good about the Hawks still making the playoffs this season.

Next: No. 6

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