Is it a given the Cleveland Cavaliers will be coming out of the East again this year?

[Sudanese Sensation]

[Robceltsfan]

Most likely. The Bulls ************if healthy might be able to form a decent opposition, but it's not likely.

[Deez]

Most likely. The Bulls ************if healthy might be able to form a decent opposition, but it's not likely.

Damnit Rob. Enough with the if healthy shit lol. But seriously if healthy they could make it a series.

[gaskill15]

The only team that can contend with the Cavs in the East right now are the Bulls. We know how that's worked out in the past. The Wizards have really disappointed me.

[Robceltsfan]

The reality is that the East is filled with 8 or 9 "good" teams, but only one great team.

The West is similar in having two great teams.....and a whole lotta meh elsewhere.

[Deez]

Speaking of the Wizards, WTF happened to them? I thought they would be a solid 4 seed anyway.

[vcsgrizzfan]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

[gaskill15]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

That Heat team could be very dangerous come playoff time. It seems like they're built for the playoffs.

[AtiliusRegulus]

regrettably, yes. The cavs are coming out of the east for the next couple years unless Durant joins the Bulls or the Heat.

[Robceltsfan]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

That Heat team could be very dangerous come playoff time. It seems like they're built for the playoffs.

The Heat....much like my Celtics....have a fatal flaw in that they don't shoot the 3-ball well at all. Miami ranks 24th whereas the Bulls are 5th.

[elartman1973]

Speaking of the Wizards, WTF happened to them? I thought they would be a solid 4 seed anyway.

Peirce left so they dont have his leadership

[elartman1973]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

[vcsgrizzfan]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

Statistically, while relatively weak, it's been stronger than the Magic. The two easiest SOS have actually been the Spurs and Warriors, with the Cavs just behind.

[zombiesonics]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

The Heat are 19th in strength of schedule. Magic are 28th.

http://espn.go.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[vcsgrizzfan]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

The Heat are 19th in strength of schedule. Magic are 28th.

http://espn.go.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting. They calculate it differently than basketball-reference.com obviously. The differences aren't huge, but they are noticeable.

[vegasfraud]

The Cavs are a lock to win the East as long as LeBron is playing...they are a lock to win it all if everyone else is healthy too.

[zombiesonics]

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

The Heat are 19th in strength of schedule. Magic are 28th.

http://espn.go.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting. They calculate it differently than basketball-reference.com obviously. The differences aren't huge, but they are noticeable.

They have some kind of numerical formula with 0 being the average that they also use on pro football reference. Here's their convoluted explanation of this formula:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=37" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[elmouse03]

No

[elartman1973]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

Statistically, while relatively weak, it's been stronger than the Magic. The two easiest SOS have actually been the Spurs and Warriors, with the Cavs just behind.

No...it hasnt been tougher than the magics actually

[elartman1973]

I think the Cavs are clearly the class of the field, but the Bulls and maybe the Heat have a puncher's chance.

Heat have had the easiest schedule in the entire NBA. .their record is misleading

The Heat are 19th in strength of schedule. Magic are 28th.

http://espn.go.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fail...heat are currently 30th toughest schedule and have been no higher than 6...magic have been as high as 5
Lol at claiming the magics schedule is weak when all theyve done is play winning teams for the past two weeks...and played the cavs three times already...your dara is wrong