Cleveland Cavaliers 2014-15 Preview

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Some of you may have seen my first two previews yesterday (Bulls & Nuggets). I'll be doing all of CelticsBlog's team previews over the next three weeks, and next up is the Cavaliers while the Timberwolves are on deck to be posted in a couple of hours.

Here's a snippet:

X-FACTOR - Team Defense
There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Cleveland will have one of the most lethal arsenals of offensive weaponry this season. With three bona fide stars like LeBron, Love and Irving, they'll have no problem scoring the ball. The question in everyone's mind regarding their ability to win a title is "Can they come together as a unit and play quality team defense?"

While the Cavs have a lot to prove on the defensive end of the floor, you’ll be hard-pressed to find many better defensive quarterbacks than LeBron James. Anderson Varejao will remind everyone about what he brings to the table, as well, but David Blatt's entire rotation will need to be in sync in order for Cleveland to win their first championship in franchise history.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2014-15
I have never paid much attention to Las Vegas odds but if I were a betting man, I would put my chips on Cleveland winning the Eastern Conference this season. Teams like Chicago, Miami and Washington may have a chance to give them a run for their money, but the Cavaliers are the universal preseason favorite to represent the east in June. There is no such thing as a "sure thing" in professional sports but worst case scenario, the Cavs are at least going to make their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2009.

PREDICTED STANDINGS
1st - Central Division
1st - Eastern Conference

FULL ARTICLE --- CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 2014-15 PREVIEW - CELTICSBLOG.COM

I can't wait to watch this team in action, especially if they end up getting Jesus Shuttlesworth.

Do you guys think anyone will stand in their way of getting to the Finals, or have you already penciled them in as Eastern Conference champions? I think the Bulls could have a legitimate shot at beating them, but I'm putting my money on Cleveland.