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NBA Playoffs: Rankings Cavs’ Foes to the Finals

By Jared Mueller

Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) defends against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) in game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 100-90. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) defends against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) in game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 100-90. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA Playoffs are in progress with the Cleveland Cavaliers kicking off tomorrow. Ranking Cavs’ Foes to the Finals.

Few have given anyone else a chance of getting out of the Eastern Conference besides the Cavs. There are a lot of good reasons for that, starting with LeBron James and ending with no one else has anything close.

That doesn’t mean the Cavs can sleep walk through the East side of the NBA Playoffs. Besides needing to get themselves together, in rhythm and gelling, the Cavs can’t assume that they will win every series easily. It also could help them build confidence if they dominate the East.

Short series also will keep the rested and, presumably, healthy.

Now on to ranking the Cavs’ Foes to the Finals:

7. Detroit Pistons

In the opening round, the Cavs got the best possible matchup for them. The Pistons are young, inexperienced and don’t have the kind of top flight talent that can really impact the Cavs. Andre Drummond is very good and Reggie Jackson is a pain to guard but as a whole, the Pistons are not a big concern for the Cavs.

The first round should be a cakewalk. They may struggle in a game in Detroit (LBJ going passive to prove a point wouldn’t be shocking) so a 4 or 5 game series should be expected.

6. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are the 4th seed in the East but are not a team that should give the Cavs a lot of fits. Even last year, with a much better team, the Hawks were not a match for the Kevin Love-less Cavs. Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova annoyed them to death and got in their head.

The Hawks are far from the team they were last year both in record and play on the court. Kyle Korver is getting older and slower, Jeff Teague is good but not great and Paul Milsap and Al Horford just don’t fit together or in their role.

A series with the Hawks likely goes 5 but no more after the Cavs suck the life out of them in Game 4. Another clean sweep wouldn’t be shocking.

5. Boston Celtics

Much like the Pistons, the Celtics are young and inexperienced. They also lack a player that is great and makes his teammates better. Isaiah Thomas is a very good player and dynamic on offense. Joe Crowder and Avery Bradley are very good complimentary wing players while Jared Sullinger heads the deep but limited group of bigs.

The guard, power forward heavy Celtics are gritty and well coached. They will grind the Cavs and put them in difficult situations. Their physical play and solid system, as well as experience from last year, means a 5 or 6 game series for the Cavs and a bunch of bumps and bruises.

4. Indiana Pacers

While the Pacers are the 7th seed, for the Cavs they are a big risk. Paul George is a stud and his comeback is impressive. With Monta Ellis and George Hill, along with young, developing Myles Turner, the Pacers have talent and depth at multiple positions.

In the end, the Pacers just are not talented enough for the Cavs but their experience, firepower and quality system would make a tough series for the Cavs. A 6 game, physical series wouldn’t be shocking but the Cavs can get it done in 5.

Winning game one of their series with the Toronto Raptors is big for their confidence.

3. Toronto Raptors

Already down one game, the Raptors are the 2nd seed but not the Cavs biggest challenge for an NBA Title. They are very talented, starting with their backcourt but lack the inside talent and depth to make the Cavs cower. Kyle Lowry is a stud and will cause problems for Kyrie Irving, who can’t be hid on other players. The rest of the Raptors have talent but lack the necessary habits to overcome the more talented Cavs.

If the Raptors make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs will have their hands full but be able to handle Toronto in a series. The Raptors constant fight with the Cavs for the #1 seed also means they will have the Cavs respect.

2. Miami Heat

If Chris Bosh was healthy, the Heat would be the #1 foe for the Cavs. Even without him, the Heat have been a thorn in the Cavs side since LeBron’s return. Dwyane Wade knows how to get up for tough games and is still an elite scorer. Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, Hassan Whiteside and Joe Johnson give the Heat the kind of depth, talent and experience that could make things tough for the Cavs.

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Given LeBron’s struggles in Miami, a 6 or 7 game series would not be shocking and would tire the Cavs out both physically and emotionally.

1. Charlotte Hornets

Probably a surprising pick for the Cavs toughest foe on their side of the NBA Playoffs. The Hornets are more than the sum of their parts and get a lot out of what they do. They have shooters, defenders and some quality depth. While they lack an elite level guy, Nicolas Batum and Kemba Walker are on the next tier down. Combined they can make things more difficult for Irving and James.

Thankfully the Cavs were 3 – 1 in the Regular Season against the Hornets and the Heat and Hornets paly each other in the 1st Round. The Hornets lack of playoff experience means the Cavs could take their heart early in a series but if that doesn’t happen, a long series could be in the works.

How would you rank the Cavs’ Foes to the Finals in the Eastern Conference side of the NBA Playoffs?