King James Gospel
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A Fan’s Perspective: Predicting Cleveland Cavaliers 2018 Playoff Foes

By Dan Gilinsky

May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a dunk in the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a dunk in the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Hornets or 76ers

After a disappointing season in 2016-17, the Charlotte Hornets finished only 36-46, and missed the playoffs.

That said, I expect to rebound this next season after acquiring Dwight Howard for essentially a washer and dryer, to couple with some solid drafting. A young backcourt of potentially Kemba Walker and sniper Malik Monk going up against Kyrie Irving in the first round would be an intriguing watch for a normally irrelevant first round matchup for LeBron.

Much like the last few first round matchups for the Cavs, though, the King would still probably bring out the broom. Nonetheless, it would get playoff Bron in full swing after regular season wear-and-tear.

Another possibility for the first round? Why not the FEDS? The Philadelphia 76ers are now reaping the benefits of ex-GM Sam Hinkie’s tanking strategy, and they appear to have a really good young core of playmakers and unsung contributors. The Process vs The Chosen One, I like it.

There are several possibilities here, but these two would make for a fun first round series.