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 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) shoots the ball between Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) shoots the ball between Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Atlanta Hawks

While there are a few teams that could be challenging for the Cavaliers in the East, the team that matches up with them the best is the only team to defeat Cleveland so far this season: the Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta decided to sign Dwight Howard over the incumbent Al Horford in 2016 NBA free agency to make the Hawks better equipped to contend with Cleveland on the glass. At times, Horford is a reluctant rebounder, while Howard has always embraced that part of his game.

The Hawks have seen their elite defense improve with Howard as the anchor down low. Atlanta is second in defensive rating at 98.7 and seventh in opponents points per game at 98.9.

Despite losing Horford, Atlanta has actually been a better offensive team in 2016-17 than it was last year. The Hawks are ninth in offensive rating at 109.3 and second in points per game at 109.6.

Next: Toughest NBA Teams Of All-Time

Atlanta knows that it only really matters if it can beat Cleveland. After getting swept out of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons by the Cavaliers, the Hawks have made it abundantly clear that they want to slay the Eastern Conference goliath that is Cleveland.

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