Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 Biggest Threats In The East

East’s 4 Biggest Threats To Cleveland Cavaliers

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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Mar 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 120-103. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

Unlike the other teams mentioned on this list, the Celtics have not had a lot of success against the Cavs this season. Not only did the Cavs win two of the three meetings, they beat the Celtics by an average margin of 14.5 points in those victories, while limiting them to below 45 percent shooting in two of the three games.

In spite of those glaring numbers, there are a few positives about this Celtics team that are worth noting. For starters, their defensive rating of 102.7 per 100 possessions is the fourth-best mark in the league, per Basketball-Reference.com.

Additionally, believe it or not, the Celtics are fourth-highest scoring team in the league, averaging 106.2 points per contest. But if you think this team is one dimensional, you would be mistaken.

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While the Celtics allow an average of 101.9 points per contest, they are limiting opponents to less than 44 percent shooting overall, including a 32.7 clip from distance. With the ability to be effective at both ends of the floor, the Celtics not only have the potential to be a tough matchup for the Cavs, but for any of the other seven teams as well.

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