Orlando Magic Daily
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Ranking the best potential defensive teams in the Eastern Conference

By Spencer R. Henderson

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
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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Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics finished 13th overall in total points allowed per game and look to improve with the addition of Al Horford.

Horford seems to be exactly what Boston needs in order to take the next step.

Orlando and the Celtics are similar at the power forward position. Amir Johnson has similar defensive abilities in the paint like Serge Ibaka. Johnson is a little taller, but Ibaka is more athletic.

Further, there are a couple of similarities with both Horford and Ibaka.

The Celtics look for Horford to take them deeper into the playoffs, similar to why Rob Hennigan traded Oladipo for Ibaka. Both Horford and Ibaka will be called upon to guard the opponents stretch-4s on a night to-night basis.

Boston could challenge Cleveland this year if a couple more young players make the jump Isaiah Thomas made last year. If Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart improve and Avery Bradley comes back healthy this could be an interesting year for the Celtics.

Boston was consistent enough last seaosn to be something of a giant killer. They defeated both the Cavaliers and the Warriors on the road. They are capable of beating anyone with their defense as a key to that equation.

This is a team that will not fear anyone in 2017.

Next: The champs