Miami Heat Return To Familiar Ground In Latest Eastern Conference Ranking

May 1, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra directs his players during the first quarter of game five of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports | Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Avoiding the Play-In Tournament feels like nothing more than a dream for the Miami Heat this season.

Not only is the Eastern Conference the best it's been in years, but the Heat's health concerns are glaring. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York made serious acquisitions while the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic locked down their cores. The majority of these teams, along with the reigning champion Boston Celtics, will likely claim a spot in the postseason.

Leaving the Heat to once again battle for their slot, as ESPN recently predicted.

"The Heat, eliminated by the Celtics in the first round last season after reaching the NBA Finals the year prior, are projected to finish eighth in the standings," the staff wrote. "A spot familiar to Jimmy Butler & Co. after finishing there two years straight."

The Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls are projected to join the Heat in the Play-In. This group of teams shouldn't strike fear into the Heat, as the Bulls are kicking off a rebuild while the Hawks look to regroup with Trae Young at the helm.

Coach Erik Spoelstra is set on the path to landing the No. 8 seed for a third consecutive year.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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