Orlando Magic Daily
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2017-18 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Outlook: Preseason Edition

By Ryan Doyle

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 10: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James #23 while playing the Chicago Bulls during a pre season game at Quicken Loans Arena on October 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The No-Doubters

The Eastern Conference has a king and his name is LeBron James. For the past seven seasons, James-led teams have made it to the NBA Finals. The last three with the Cleveland Cavaliers. There will be a new threat to the throne as the Kyrie Irving-led Boston Celtics will be a true test at the top of the East.

As the defending conference champions, the Cavaliers have reloaded by adding veteran guards Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose. Barring catastrophic injuries, Cleveland will enjoy another deep playoff run.

The Cavaliers number one contender in the East resides in Boston. The All-Star tandem of Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving will lead the Celtics. With a strong mix of veterans and youth, Boston could de-throne Cleveland for the first time in four years.

Another team that deserves to be mentioned in this category are the Washington Wizards. After phenomenal campaigns from John Wall and Bradley Beal, Washington is primed for another strong season. Plus, another strong year from Otto Porter could make Washington the ultimate sleeper team to take the Eastern Conference crown.

Call it premature, but the Milwaukee Bucks are going to be a lock for the playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo has another offseason of development under his belt, the Bucks are dangerous. Khris Middleton and the rest of the Milwaukee core will be back to wreak havoc on a weak conference.

Again, barring injuries or some cataclysmic event, these teams will dominate the Eastern Conference. Expect to see them bullying teams throughout the long NBA season.