The Cleveland Cavaliers are still the favorites to win the East in the 2017 NBA Playoffs, but here’s why it’s not as set in stone as we once thought.
Following the tradition of every team with a LeBron James on its roster over the last seven years, the Cleveland Cavaliers are hands down the best team in the Eastern Conference. They have its best record, its best point differential, its best player and its best Big Three.
More than likely, the Cavs will be heading to their third consecutive NBA Finals, which would mark seven straight for King James.
HOWEVER.
Before we go anointing the King atop the Eastern throne by default, it’s worth noting that this year’s Cleveland squad looks as vulnerable as it has since the team first came together in 2014-15.
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There is no true rival for them in the East, and come early June, no one would be surprised to see Part 3 of Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors in the Finals. Even if the Dubs don’t hold up their end of the bargain against a tougher Western Conference playoff field, the safe bet still feels like Cleveland representing the East.
But that fine line between the Cavaliers and the rest of the East isn’t as definitive as it used to be. Even if this is yet another case of a LeBron-led team coasting through the regular season only to flip the switch come playoff time, here are five reasons the Cavs shouldn’t be considered locks to win the East in 2017.