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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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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Boston Celtics

Projected Starting Lineup: Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Al Horford, Amir Johnson 

We may not know who will start for the Boston Celtics on opening night, mostly because we’ve continued to see their name being brought up in numerous trade rumors, but what we do know is that they’ll be good. Really good.

If the Celtics won nearly 50 games a year ago without Horford, they’ll certainly top the 50-win plateau win him. If they manage to trade for someone like Russell Westbrook or Blake Griffin, this team’s ceiling just gets that much higher.

Can the Celtics push the Cleveland Cavaliers as currently constructed? Probably not. However, with any move Boston makes moving forward, they’re just going to get that much closer to potentially pulling off an upset.

Next: No. 3

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