NBA: Predictions for the Eastern Conference in 2016-17

5.DETROIT PISTONS

Stan Van Gundy used a dominant paint presence, a multitude of shooters, and a spread pick-and-roll offense to keep LeBron out of the NBA Finals in 2009. It looks like he’s following the same blueprint now that he’s the head coach of the Pistons. Outside of the Golden State Warriors, it was Van Gundy’s Pistons that gave the Cavaliers their toughest match in the playoffs. Though Detroit was swept in the first round all four games went down to the wire between the two teams. With Andre Drummond locked into a five-year $127 million dollar contract the Pistons are a team to keep an eye on now and in the future.

[related-content]

6.ATLANTA HAWKS

Despite having the second longest active post-season appearance streak in the NBA (nine straight seasons) the Atlanta Hawks seem to be rebuilding on the fly for the second time in the Mike Budenholzer era. The first saw the team transform into the San Antonio Spurs of the Eastern Conference, however, it feels like this time will be different. The Hawks brought Dwight Howard back home and have handed over the keys of the franchise to temperamental point guard Dennis Schroder. Coach Bud has shown that he can get the most out of lesser talented players, but his work is really cut out for him if Atlanta still has title aspirations this season.

Next: NYC and the Great Capital