I know that we still have a lot of time before the NBA playoffs, but it’s never to early to make an NBA finals prediction. Of course, this prediction is subject to change as we get closer to the playoffs, but for now, these are the teams that I believe will make it to the NBA finals. First, I want to look at the Eastern Conference.

We all know that the Eastern Conference is basically the LeBron James conference, considering the fact that he has now appeared in seven consecutive NBA Finals, but this year the streak could possibly come to an end. The Cavaliers do not look as strong as they have in years past, but we all know that any team with the best player in the world has a chance of making it to the finals every year (well at least in the Eastern Conference). Many people think that James will finally be dethroned by the Kyrie Irving led Boston Celtics team. They have played amazing basketball this season, and Irving definitely looks like an MVP candidate for his play on the team. It would be crazy if James’ historic NBA finals streak was ruined by his former teammate Irving, and I’m sure that even if James can’t make it to the finals, he does not want to be knocked out by the Celtics.

Then there is the Toronto Raptors who are having one of their best seasons ever. Led by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors are number one in the Eastern Conference right now, and it looks like this year is their best shot to make it to the finals. I would not be surprised if the Raptors knocked out the Cavaliers, the Celtics, or any other team because they look really good. The one other team in the Eastern Conference that many people are ignoring or forgetting about is the Philadelphia 76ers. This is a very dangerous team and I would not be surprised if they were able to upset one of the top three NBA teams in the Eastern Conference. The combination of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid is lethal and honestly, I would not want to play them in the playoffs.

Now, even though it might seem like I have given up on the Cavaliers chances of making the finals, I still believe that LeBron James will make it to his eight consecutive NBA finals, and here’s why. The Cavaliers are still figuring things out after the huge trade that happened before the trade deadline. Rodney Hood is still trying to understand his role on the team, Jordan Clarkson is still adjusting, and Larry Nance Jr. is definitely starting to hit his stride with the team. I can’t forget to mention that Kevin Love is still not back from injury yet, so once he comes back, this will only add more firepower to the Cleveland roster. I know things have not looked pretty for the Cavaliers this season, but remember, once the playoffs start, James becomes a different player entirely. He’s already playing lights out this season, so just imagine how much more effort James will give during the playoffs.

He understands that he has to hold back in the regular season because if he doesn’t he will tire himself out before the playoffs. James isn’t getting any younger, so he has to play smarter and more strategic. Before the playoffs start, this team will get their act together, and James will lead them to the NBA Finals once again (whether or not they will win a championship is a completely different discussion). I just can’t picture James getting knocked out by the Celtics or by the Raptors. When I picture James in a losing situation, all I see is the Miami Heat playoff game against the Celtics back in 2012, when James put the team on his back and scored 45 points, leading them to a victory. I still think that James has the ability to do this when put in the situation, but honestly, once this team establishes their chemistry, I don’t think he’ll have to.