Predicting the 8 NBA Playoff seeds from the Eastern Conference

#5 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have struggled in 2020

Following a stunning start the season, the Miami Heat appeared set to secure an unlikely top-three finish, although Erik Spoelstra's side has slumped since the turn of the year.

The Heat have suffered eleven defeats in 23 games, and their road record has become a real issue (13-17).

With that said, the Heat's early season form combined with an excellent record at American Airlines Arena (23-3) should be enough for them to secure the fifth seed - which should be viewed as a major success following last season's 10th placed finish.

---

#6 Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have lost ground over the past month

Following the much-anticipated return of Victor Oladipo, the Indiana Pacers were in a position to challenge for homecourt advantage.

However, the Pacers have dropped seven of their past 10 games to fall to sixth, and Sunday's 81-127 defeat to the Toronto Raptors will have been a wake-up call to head coach Nate McMillan.

The Pacers won't slip any further down the standings due to the distance between 6th and 7th, though, they are once again in danger of suffering an early postseason exit.