Fansided

5 teams that can challenge the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference

By John Buhler

Nov 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives around Charlotte Hornets forward Spencer Hawes (00) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives around Charlotte Hornets forward Spencer Hawes (00) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Detroit Pistons

Though the Detroit Pistons were swept in the first round by the Cavaliers in the playoffs last season, there’s reason to believe Detroit can give Cleveland a real fight this time around.

Detroit has a star in center Andre Drummond, a strong supporting cast and an elite head coach in Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy gets a little excited at times, but is a great in-game tactician and game planner nonetheless. Let’s see if he has his team form a wall against James in the playoffs.

The Pistons are third in defensive efficiency (100.8) and fourth in opponents points per game (96.2). Being able to hold one’s own at the rim is crucial to beating Cleveland in a best-of-seven series. Drummond has to learn to make free throws, but his defensive presence and insane rebounding ability make Detroit a better matchup against the Cavaliers than most.

One could argue that Detroit will be the team that ends up finishing in second place in the Central Division behind Cleveland. If they’re better than the No. 8 seed come playoff time, the Pistons could advance, and be a worthy Eastern adversary should they meet the Cavaliers in the conference semis or the finals.

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