The Cavaliers’ recent problems – both on the court and off it – have been well documented, but the focus on Cleveland’s issues has overshadowed the fact that several of the other teams expected to contend in the East have been dealing with problems of their own.
Heading into the season, the Cavs, Celtics, Raptors, Wizards, and Bucks were widely viewed as the top five teams in the Eastern Conference. As of today though, the Bucks (24-22) find themselves holding the No. 7 seed in the East, and they’re still reeling from the front office’s decision to fire head coach Jason Kidd. While it’s possible that Kidd’s ouster will lead to a second-half run that puts Milwaukee in good position to win a playoff series or two, the team’s performance to date has been disappointing, particularly on the defensive end.
The Wizards (26-21), meanwhile, are hanging onto the No. 5 seed out East, but their results have been underwhelming too. John Wall admitted that a recent team meeting didn’t have the desire effect, and Washington has suffered some bad losses this season. The club has been defeated twice by both the Nets and Hornets, and dropped games to the Hawks and Mavericks too — three of those losses were by 23 or more points.
Boston, Toronto, and Cleveland currently hold the top three spots in the East, but the Celtics (34-14) have lost four in a row and are leaning heavily on All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford. An injury to either player could spell trouble for the C’s. As for the Cavs (27-19), they’ve lost six of seven, and Cleveland players have questioned whether this year’s team has the ability to pull its usual feat of flipping a switch for the postseason.
The Raptors (31-14) aren’t dealing with an identity crisis at the moment, but they have a history of struggling in the playoffs. Even taking into account their new, modernized style of play on offense, there’s some skepticism among league observers that the Raps are capable of finally getting over the hump and winning the East.
The Heat (27-20), Pacers (25-22), and Sixers (22-21) round out the East’s current playoff teams, with the Pistons (22-23) looking to enter that picture. It’s hard to imagine any of those clubs winning three postseason series, however.
So what do you think? Which team will represent the Eastern Conference in this year’s NBA Finals? Will the Cavaliers get it together eventually, or will this be the year that LeBron James‘ streak of Finals appearances comes to an end?
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Ill go with Cleveland. Once they get in the playoffs all the worries will vanish
Raptors or Celts.
Raiders
LeBron’s over-the-hill gang won’t beat Kyrie’s young studs. The Cavs will be too worn out from playing the Raptors. I think the Warriors would rather play the Celtics
Googled NBA trade rumors then CBS. It says Kevin Love wants to play with his family friend Klay Thompson and for a team that appreciates him. Really!!!
It’s on CBS website. Love tweeted he’d like to play on an all star team (he’s talking about Golden State) with his family friend Klay Thompson some day. First Kyrie, now Love!
I can see Love opting out and going to Lakers after next season if they have money available.
Or he can become golden states center and form an unholy 5 man squad that may never lose a game. Of course him and klay will need to take discounted contracts, but klay doesn’t care about money as much so it could happen.
link to cbssports.com
There is nothing there about “for a team that appreciates him”. You added that, again mixing fact with fiction, although the CBS writer certainly wanted to lead you there! There was no complaining from Love, just probably a request to whoever picks the sides.
It’s easy to copy the URL and paste it in the entrybox. Sometimes, depending on your browser, you get the article’s AMP page which disguises the true URL. But using “encrypted.google.com” instead of “google.com” gets to the right server that gives you the true URL in the URL bar.
I read more than one site, I read a lot. I read “for a team that appreciates him.” I’m a college graduate. I know what I read. The Cavs stunk once after LeBron left and it’s starting to look that way again. You just don’t want to deal with it. If you don’t like what I report, don’t read it. You asked about LeBron slowing things down, I Googled LeBron slowing things down. That’s what Google search is for. When Love opts out after next year I hope he does go to the Lakers or Clippers where he can be happy. Cavs fans can go through what Pacer fans went through with Paul George.
You cannot cite a source for a reason– you’re just spouting opinions and mixing with facts to arrive at preferred conclusions. Stephen Smith is an entertainer, they all are that has to sell a show, but you believe them all to come up with stories. No discernment.
Seriously you idiots…. He wants to play with Klay ON ALL STAR WEEKEND
Dude you can’t read. I said right hear I Googled LeBron slowing things down. Look it up. You are a sick puppy! I am going to laughh so so hard when LBJ leaves.
I don’ t care about that, never did. Why do you keep repeating that. “Slowing things down” has worked very well! Maybe you should listen to the guy who tried to tell you about the allstar game.
Celtics play the Warriors very very tough the last three years. In the finals I would be slightly worried about them, especially since they have a closer now in Kyrie.
There is talk of Jayson Tatum hitting “the rookie wall”. That could save the Cavs in the playoffs even before GSW!
It should just be the east all stars vs the warriors for the finals. Would be more fair.