3. Manageable Path to NBA Finals
The East is stronger overall than in 2014-15, when the Cavs faced the sub-.500 Boston Celtics in the first round. That being said, there’s not an obvious challenger standing in the way of James’ sixth straight finals trip. Toronto has never reached a conference finals in its existence.
The same goes for Charlotte. Boston might still be another year away from seriously contending. Atlanta has been on a tear lately, and the Cavs have yet to win in any of their 11 most recent visits to Miami. But in a series where a seventh game, if necessary, would be held at Quicken Loans Arena, it’s hard to imagine the Hawks or the Heat pulling off a shocker.
Next: Elite Offensive Rating
