Full NBA Playoff Bracket Predictions 2 Months Into 2023-24 Season | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Miami Heat

Current Record/Seed: 18-12, 5th in East

Remaining SOS Rank: 24th overall

In what would be a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals, Miami and New York continue their muddled history of postseason meetings here.

Injuries have plagued both teams this season, although Tyler Herro has returned from an ankle injury and leads the Heat with 24.0 points per game. While Miami will likely continue sniffing around any and all potential star trades, this roster is rock-solid as is, especially with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both playing at All-Star levels.

Rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals) has been a godsend for Miami, as has the rejuvenated play of Duncan Robinson (15.1 points on 44.9 percent shooting from three).

With the Orlando Magic's hot start beginning to cool, look for the Heat to rise to the No. 4 seed in the East.

New York Knicks

Current Record/Seed: 17-12, 6th in East

Remaining SOS Rank: 13th overall

Losing Mitchell Robinson for the season to ankle surgery hurts, although don't expect the Knicks to fall out of the playoffs in the East as long as Jalen Brunson is around.

This team still has a lot to sort out, from finding a replacement for Robinson to making a decision on Immanuel Quickley's future. Expecting a leap from RJ Barrett may be foolish five years into his career as well.

Still, with Brunson and Julius Randle, there's plenty of offensive firepower on this team. Josh Hart does whatever is needed, and Donte DiVincenzo (44.2 percent shooting from three) has been a nice pickup.

This roster is in desperate need of a trade, although we have enough belief in Brunson to project a No. 5 seed by the time the season ends.