NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Is A Cavs, Warriors Rubber Match Inevitable?

Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Opponent: Indiana Pacers 

This has been a disappointing year for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sure, they still won over 50 games and had three players represent the franchise in the all-star game but by their own standards they have been supremely subpar.

Cleveland is ranked No. 21 in defensive efficiency and surprisingly lost out the No. 1 seed in the East to the Boston Celtics. Because of that, Cleveland has a bit of a tougher road to the Finals.

The Warriors have the most efficient and explosive offense while also being able to lock down on the defensive end, the Spurs have always had LeBron’s number and although the Rockets struggle defensively they could truly run them out of the gym with their offensive firepower alone. The Cavs are the favorites to make it back to the promise land but expect a different result this time around.