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With the All-Star break approaching, LayupDrill gives you an in depth NBA Mid-Season Breakdown of the three best teams in the Eastern Conference, showing which team has the tougher remaining schedule and who will continue to shine and make it on top at the end of the NBA season.
Cleveland Cavaliers - (31-7) First place in the Eastern Conference
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have certainly surprised many thus far this season with their fantastic overall 31-7 record. The Cavs are the only undefeated team at home in the NBA with a 20-0 record and have played like Champions since the start of the season.
A few key reasons for their play
- the off-season acquistion of starting point guard Mo Williams and the break-out performance of shooting-guard Delonte West.
- LeBron completely dominating the NBA, putting up MVP numbers averaging 27.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 6.7 APG, and 2.0 SPG, with career-highs in FT% (78.4%),FG% (50.1%) , and BPG (1.3).
Remaining Schedule- (Top 5 best teams from each Conference)
The Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic (3), Detroit Pistons (3), Los Angeles Lakers (2), Boston Celtics (2) , San Antonio Spurs (2), Portland Trail Blazers (2), Atlanta Hawks (2)
Toughest Schedule-16 total games against Top 5 best teams in each Conference
Reasons for an increase in future loses
The Cavaliers have two serious injuries that could prevent them from winning games for the next month or so.
- Starting Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas suffered a small fracture when twisting his ankle seven games ago and could miss action for the next month.
- Starting shooting-guard Delonte West broke his wrist Thursday night and will miss up to six weeks of game play.
Season Predictions
58-24 – Third Seed in Eastern Conference
Orlando Magic- (32-8) Second place in the Eastern Conference
The Orlando Magic have proved many doubters wrong this season and have beat very good teams so far. They have a league best 16-5 road record and are currently on a six-game win streak.
A few key reasons for their play
- The Magic have a ton of offensive weapons on their team and lead the league in 3PTM this season.
- Jameer Nelson is having an outstanding season and has clearly stepped up his production so far.
- Rashard Lewis leads the league in 3PTM with 118.
- Hedo Turkoglu is continuing his All-Star play since last season.
- Rookie Courtney Lee has made a name for himself as a great shooter, defender, and overall great player.
- Dwight Howard is having an MVP season averaging 20.32 PPG and 13.95 RPG with career-highs in BPG with a league leading 3.21 per game.
Remaining Schedule- (Top 5 best teams from each Conference)
The Magic play the Cleveland Cavaliers (3), Boston Celtics (3), Denver Nuggets (2), Detroit Pistons (2), New Orleans Hornets (1)
Easiest Schedule- 11 total games against Top 5 best teams in each Conference
Reasons for an increase in success
The Magic are currently playing the best basketball in the NBA.
- They have a perfect starting line-up and their bench has certainly stepped up.
- Mickael Pietrus will return before the end of the season and will only improve the Magic’s play.
Season Predictions
60-22- Second Seed in the Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics- (32-9) Third Place in the Eastern Conference
The Boston Celtics started the season winning 19 straight games and have lost only 9 since then. They hold the best record for most wins in their conference (24-4) and division (9-1).
A few key reasons for their play
- Rajon Rondo is averaging career-highs with 10.8 PPG, 7.8 APG, 4.8 RPG, 2.2 SPG, and 50.1 FG%. He is a huge part of their success.
- Kendrick Perkins is also averaging career-highs with 8.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 1.8 BPG.
- The Big 3 continuing to put up consistent numbers.
Remaining Schedule- (Top 5 best teams from each Conference)
The Celtics play the Orlando Magic (3), Cleveland Cavaliers (2), Detroit Pistons (2) , Atlanta Hawks (2), San Antonio Spurs (2), Los Angeles Lakers (1), Denver Nuggets (1), New Orleans Hornets (1)
Second Toughest Schedule- 14 total games against Top 5 best teams in each Conference
Reasons for an increase in loses
It only takes one of the Big 3 to get injured for the Boston Celtics to start losing games.
- The Big 3 are getting older and could be prone to more injuries.
Season Predictions
64-18- First Seed in the Eastern Conference
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Great write up. You gonna do the Western Conference Breakdown too?
Brilliant article.
It makes the Magic’s record all the more impressive when you see how many top teams they’ve played.
Yea im gonna do the Western too.
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