Power ranking the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Eastern Conference

#3 – Boston Celtics – composite score – 10.2

Projected starting lineup – Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter

The Boston Celtics are another team that had some significant roster turnover. Out is Kyrie Irving and Al Horford. In is Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter. It’s a fair bet that Walker will be able to duplicate what Irving was able to do from an on-court production standpoint last season but the most notable thing for the Celtics is Walker should be much better in the locker room than Irving was last season. It could be a positive trade-off for them.

The Kanter and Horford swap, however, is another story. Horford is an excellent leader and an excellent player. Kanter has many deficiencies, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum should take another leap this season, especially without Irving bogarting the basketball. If Gordon Hayward can get back some of his pre-injury form, they will be a serious threat to come out of the East.

#2 – Milwaukee Bucks – composite score – 11.4

Projected starting lineup – Eric Bledsoe, Wesley Matthews, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez

Last season’s number one seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and a team that won 60 games last season isn’t the number one team in the East. A lot of that is due to what the Philadelphia 76ers did this offseason, but some it is due to the fact that the Bucks lost a major piece when Malcolm Brogdon signed with the Pacers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is so good that the Bucks are a legitimate threat to not only win the East but to win the NBA title. On the rare occasion that Antetokounmpo is having an off night, Khris Middleton is there to pick him up. They form one of the best duos in the entire NBA.

It will be important for the Bucks to get production from their bench. Robin Lopez was a big addition as he is a proven commodity. A jump from Dante DiVincenzo and continued solid play from Pat Connaughton will be crucial for the Bucks if they are to achieve their goals of capturing an NBA title.

#1 – Philadelphia 76ers – composite score – 6.4

Projected starting lineup – Ben Simmons, Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, Al Horford, Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers had an incredible offseason. Yes, they lost Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick. While Butler is the better overall player, Redick may be the bigger loss for what the 76ers need. They have guys who are able to make up for Butler’s game but their biggest question mark is perimeter shooting.

The 76ers, despite NBA experts pounding the Clippers and Lakers tables, could be the best team in the NBA heading into the regular season. On paper, they look to have the best starting lineup. However, they need to have some guys step up from the bench.

They will be looking at Mike Scott, James Ennis, Trey Burke, and rookie Matisse Thybulle to lead their bench unit. While Scott, Ennis, and Burke are solid, none of them jump off the page as difference-makers off of the bench. Still, the 76ers should be favored to come out of the Eastern Conference due to the fact that their starting lineup is so stacked.

The goal for the Cavaliers should be to jump the Knicks, Pistons, and Hawks. That is a realistic goal for a team that isn’t expected to be too competitive this season.