Miami Heat: Predicting the 2022 Eastern Conference standings

Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball against Miami Heat guardDuncan Robinson (55) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball against Miami Heat guardDuncan Robinson (55) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Miami Heat
Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball against Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons; Miami Heat (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Miami Heat built a great roster this season and should be able to snag a top spot in the Eastern Conference. That being said, they will have some tough competition.

While Miami did make significant improvements, so did a lot of other teams. The majority of teams in the East actually got better going into this season.

Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks all arguably got better this summer. This should lead to a serious battle for playoff spots this year.

What record will every team in the Eastern Conference have at the end of the season? Who will finish where, who will make the playoffs, and who will end up falling short?

Predicting the Eastern Conference standings to see where the Miami Heat land

15. Cleveland Cavaliers (24-58)

With all the drama surrounding Collin Sexton, it’s no surprise that the Cavs are going to be one of the worst teams in the East. Add in the fact that they have a major frontcourt logjam, and things aren’t looking too good in Cleveland.

14. Orlando Magic (27-55)

Depending on their injury situation, the Magic might not be horrendous this year. That being said, it’s still the Magic, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

13. Detroit Pistons (31-51)

The Pistons could actually end up surprising some people. They have a solid young team and could make some noise if everything clicks with their new core.

12. Washington Wizards (32-50)

Losing Russell Westbrook will definitely hurt Washington’s record this year. Unfortunately, it might be Bradley Beal’s last year in the city, too.

10. Toronto Raptors (36-46)

The Raptors will be back in Toronto this season, but it might not lead to much regular-season success. Kyle Lowry leaving will hurt them big-time in the record column.