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East’s 4 Biggest Threats To Cleveland Cavaliers

By James D. Tillman III

Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with center Tristan Thompson (13) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with center Tristan Thompson (13) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) gets in the face of Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) gets in the face of Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls

 When you think about James’ history against the Chicago Bulls in the postseason, conventional wisdom gives his teams the edge. The reason for that sentiment is because James-led teams have eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs in four of the past six seasons – twice with the Cavaliers in 2010 and 2015 and twice with the Miami Heat in 2011 and 2013.

Another reason why many would give the edge to the Cavs is because the Bulls are 12.5 games behind them in the standings. Despite the disparity between the two teams, the Bulls have had success against the Cavaliers.

Not only have the Bulls defeated the Cavs in two of the three meetings between the ball clubs, the Bulls have also limited them to 40.4 and 37.2 percent respectively in those wins. Not too shabby for a team that has had its fair share of inconsistent play.

If the playoffs started today, these two teams would face each other in the first round. With the Bulls having several players recovering from injuries, it would not be a pretty sight to say the least.

However, if the Bulls could avoid the Cavs in the first round, they could prove to be a tough out in the later rounds  if 1) they have a full complement of players and 2) they consistently play up to their potential.

Next: Miami Heat

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