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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Nov 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) helps up point guard Kyle Lowry (7) against the Sacramento Kings at Air Canada Centre. The Kings beat the Raptors 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) helps up point guard Kyle Lowry (7) against the Sacramento Kings at Air Canada Centre. The Kings beat the Raptors 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toronto Raptors

One could argue that the Toronto Raptors are the second most polished team in the East behind Cleveland. The Raptors know exactly what they are and know that they have a chance to complete with the Cavaliers in a best-of-seven series.

Toronto took the Cavaliers to six games in the 2016 NBA Finals. The Raptors won twice at home and did so without the services of starting center Jonas Valanciunas. Bismack Biyombo played out of his mind to land a lucrative deal with the Orlando Magic in 2016 NBA free agency.

The Raptors’ game plan to beat Cleveland is different from the rest. Toronto has to win with offense. Fortunately, Toronto has the best back court in the East with Olympians Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Toronto is fifth in offensive rating in 2016-17 at 111.8.

The Raptors have improved on the defensive end as well. Toronto is 11th in defensive rating at 105.3 and eighth in opponents points per game at 99.2. The Raptors are going to make the playoffs, almost certainly as a top-four seed. They could have the balance to beat Cleveland in either the semis or in a rematch in the 2017 conference finals.

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