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NBA: Which East Teams Present The Biggest Challenge To The Cavs?

By Drew Clark

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Feb 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) is congratulated by guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after making a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 123-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toronto Raptors

Eastern conference runner-up last season, the Raptors have hopes of competing in the ECF again. Bringing back DeMar DeRozan solidified them as  a potential contender in the East.

DeRozan had a career year last season posting highs in points, assists, and shot over 33 percent from the three for the first time. DeRozan is in the middle of his best years, however, I have a hard time believing he can repeat that performance, that’s why the Raptors are number two on this list.

Kyle Lowry was another player that posted career-highs in multiple categories, including scoring. Last season was the first time he averaged over 17.9 points per game, finishing at 21.2 at season’s end. He was so awesome to watch play last season, and as a basketball fan I hope he can repeat a MVP-type season. He finished ninth in MVP voting.

Lowry and DeRozan are the catalysts of this team, and could carry it to the playoffs by themselves in the East. However, they will need all of Jonas Valanciunas and DeMarre Carroll to have any chance of competing with Cleveland. Both are gritty players that can stuff a stat sheet, and Carroll can guard Lebron to attempt to slow him down. Without him, DeRozan would most likely slide over and that’s not a favorable outcome in most instances.

Losing Bismack Biyombo cuts into their frontcourt depth, but Jared Sullinger could be a competent replacement. Patrick Patterson should be the starter, unless the idea that he’s best as  a sixth man creeps into Dwane Casey’s head again. Sullinger is rough defensively when facing more athletic stretch power forwards.

This is another scenario where DeMarre Carroll will come into play. A small-ball lineup of Lowry-Ross/Powell-DeRozan-Carroll-Patterson creates a ton of spacing if they want to open up for the two star guards.

What’s the recipe for the Raptors to beat the Cavaliers in the playoffs? Lowry and DeRozan not disappearing and making shots, similar to Kyrie’s NBA Finals performance last season.

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