Feb 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) shoots the ball as Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat
Last Year’s Outcome: 37-45, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: Reach Eastern Conference Finals
Why: Even though many are making the Miami Heat the trendy pick of potentially making a run to win the Eastern Conference this year, I simply can’t come to that conclusion. Not as long as LeBron James resides in the same conference. As much as I would enjoy the Heat spoiling LeBron’s race to bringing a Larry O’Brien trophy to the city of Cleveland (for obvious reasons), as long as LeBron is in his prime, there isn’t any team in the Eastern Conference that is going to keep him from the NBA Finals.
Though, I could see the Miami Heat being LeBron’s sacrificial lamb in the Eastern Conference Finals, assuming health of course.
Worst-Case Scenario: Miss Playoffs
Why: Then again, when the Heat were healthy last season, they still left a lot to be desired. Even though the addition of Goran Dragic should help, who has actually never played with Chris Bosh, there’s probably a small chance that the Heat could miss the playoffs. Especially if the rest of the conference performs slightly better than we all project them to.
What Will Probably Happen: Eastern Conference Finals Appearance
Why: Could I see the Heat beating the Bulls, Hawks or Wizards to get to the Eastern Conference Finals? If healthy, yes. Also, it depends on how the Eastern Conference bracket breaks down. Ultimately, if they can avoid Cleveland in the first two rounds, and if they can remain healthy, I’d be shocked if we didn’t have a Heat-Cavs ECF. Fun.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks