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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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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Iman Shumpert, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) passes around Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers may win back-to-back titles if they are healthy in June.

Most critics believe the Warriors are the favorite to win the 2017 NBA Championship after acquiring Kevin Durant from Oklahoma City.

Regardless of how the regular season plays out, everyone saw what happened to the Warriors offense when matched up against a top-five defense like the Cavaliers’ for a seven-game series.

The Cavs defense should be near the top of the hill just like they were a year ago. Cleveland only allowed 98.4 points per game in 2016.

One of the main reasons the Cavs are able to be so efficient on the defensive end is because of the versatility from LeBron James. James is a player who can defend every position on the court.

Orlando’s defensive strategy at the small forward is similar because Frank Vogel is attempting to make Gordon a player who can guard all five positions. Whether Gordon is the type of player to handle the defensive pressure from all five positions remains to be seen.

Cleveland has a shot at a repeat. Their chances look better than it did last year now that they have proven they can stay healthy throughout June and beat an elite team.

The Cavs should enter the season with more confidence than ever. Kyrie Irving is coming off of a series ending shot in an away Game Seven scenario against the Warriors and a gold medal at the Olympics. He should continue to improve his defensive reputation after all this success.

Kevin Love should have more confidence in his perimeter defensive abilities after successfully defending Stephen Curry for a moment in the Finals.

Next: Locked On Magic: State of Sunshine State Hoops

The Cavaliers are the champs until someone knocks them out in May or June.