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NBA: Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions For 2016-17 Season

By James D. Tillman III

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound away from Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3), center Bismack Biyombo (8) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound away from Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3), center Bismack Biyombo (8) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fist quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fist quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7: Chicago Bulls

Projected 2016-17 record: 43-39

2015-16 record: 42-40

First-year head coach Fred Hoiberg had more than his fair share of problems with the Chicago Bulls in 2015-16. For starters, Jimmy Butler made headlines after stating that the team needed to be coached harder.

The team struggled for most of the season trying to adapt to his up-tempo offense and took several steps back from a defensive standpoint. Rather than going for a complete rebuild, though, the front office acquired Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade and Isaiah Canaan to help fill the void created by the departures of Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah.

On paper, the Bulls have added two knowledgeable veterans, in Wade and Rondo, who have played on championship teams and can help mentor the younger players. While both players are past their prime in basketball years, the potential is there to surpass the 42-40 mark from last season, barring injuries of course.

Next: No. 6