Nothin' But Nets
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NBA: Predictions for the Eastern Conference in 2016-17

By Brandon Jefferson

Mar 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Brooklyn won 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Brooklyn won 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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1.CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

LeBron James is $100 million dollars richer and has fulfilled on his promise to “The Land”. There isn’t much left for him to do except make mince meat out of the other title contenders in the Eastern Conference. With Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love back for a third go-around, and James playing for a coach he likes (read as: controls), look for Cleveland to hit the ground running to begin the 2016-17 season.

2.TORONTO RAPTORS

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raptors pushed the Cavs to the brink during the regular season finishing just a game behind Cleveland at the end of the regular season. Led by the All-Star duo–and now Olympic gold medalist–of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry Toronto was able to show glimpses of being a title contender before bowing out in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. Biyombo became too rich to keep, but they hope lottery selection Jakob Poeltl will help fill the void as Jonas Valinciunas’ back up. If Lowry and DeRozan can have repeat performances they should remain atop of the Eastern Conference standings for another season.

Next: No. 3 and 4: Green, Blue and Yellow