The good news is that the Eastern Conference isn't the gauntlet that it's been in the past. The bad news is that the only team the Miami Heat should be looking to avoid at all costs in the first round is one of the most likely scenarios that is already beginning to take shape. A date with the Boston Celtics.
After dropping a huge game against the Orlando Magic on their home floor over the weekend, the Heat are back in the 7th spot of the East standings. With less than a month left in the regular season, the Heat find themselves in a very similar position - in a spot where they'll likely have to play their way into the official playoff field.