Ranking the best potential defensive teams in the Eastern Conference

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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5. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors will return to the playoffs in 2017, but it will not be because of their defense like last year.

Losing Biyombo will prove to be a major setback for an organization looking to capitalize on an 2016 Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

Although Toronto may take a step back defensively, they still will be the second best offensive backcourt in all of basketball with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

The two Raptors were the only backcourt duo to make the 2016 All-Star Game besides the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

The Magic cannot compare to the Raptors frontcourt, but defensively the small forward position is similar.

Demarre Carroll is a good defender on the wing who guards the best small forwards in the NBA. Aaron Gordon is faced with a similar challenge this year because Vogel said he wants to use Gordon like he used Paul George.

Last year, the Raptors surprised the world gaining and maintaining the second seed in the Eastern Conference throughout the season.

Toronto finished the year in the top three in total points allowed per game. The only teams that finished ahead of them were the San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz.

Next: The big gamble