The early challenges for the Miami Heat in the East

The Eastern Conference has been a surprising scramble so far, as evidenced by the Miami Heat falling from the third seed to the sixth in a flash. Ethan Skolnick and Alex Toledo look at who is just ahead and who is just behind, and what might be most in Miami's way.Sponsors:• COZYEARTH.com (code: ONTHEFLOOR)• Cash.App: For a limited time, new Cash App customers can earn $10 if they use code CASHAPP10 in their profile at signup and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Follow Ethan, Alex and Brady's writing for Sports Illustrated here!• https://www.si.com/nba/heat/author/alex-tol• https://www.si.com/nba/heat/author/ethan-skolnick• https://www.si.com/nba/heat/author/brady-hawkJoin us on our Off The Floor Discord server for the most Heat anywhere! Get exclusive insider information, along with updates/stats/insights from the 5OTF crew and hang out with other Heat fans. https://discord.gg/5OTF (Scroll down after clicking)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy