A: The only way the Heat get Cleveland in the first round is if they finish eighth in the East. And while the schedule and injuries have been brutal recently, the schedule takes a turn for the far better after the All-Star break. So at the moment, it's all about staying above water, and getting healthier. That makes these past two games a step forward. Based on their recent play against Toronto, I'd say avoiding No. 7 also would be prudent, with the Raptors making themselves look second to one at the moment, and that's with DeMarre Carroll yet to make his mark in Toronto. Any other matchup in the East should give the Heat a first-round chance, whether it is against Chicago, Atlanta, Washington or just about anybody else. All of that said, the playoffs hardly are a given, with the way Boston, Detroit and even Indiana have the personalities of teams that give no ground.