NBA 2016-17 forecast: Central Division

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CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Last season: 57 – 25

This season: 56 – 26

I have yet to see a forecast which lists someone other than the Cavaliers as the Division and Eastern Conference champions once again. While I’m quite happy being a contrarian, which in this context would mean I favour someone else to come out of the East, I’ve no reason to buck the trend. If there’s a weakness on this team, I haven’t found it.

Any team which features a living legend like LeBron James is already in an enviable position. King James’ supporting cast could be an All-Star team by itself. Kevin Love looks comfortable, which means he’ll score inside and out seemingly at will. Kyrie Irving is a top-tier point guard. Tristan Thompson battles successfully under the boards. J.R. Smith, a lights-out shooter, is back in the fold.

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) looks to play a ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) tries to defend during the first quarter of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Their rotation players look mighty fine as well. Mike Dunleavy provides instant scoring, Chris Andersen can still make his presence felt on the boards, Channing Frye is a giant problem to cover. He can get the Cavs a bunch of 3-pointers in a hurry.

The only reason I’m not giving them more wins? LeBron’s minutes will be carefully controlled by coach Tyronn Lue. The Cavaliers will win exactly as many games as they need to secure the first seed, and on my spreadsheet, that number is 57.

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