its much better to get 2nd in the eastern conference than 1st.

as the 2nd you will most likely face:

best case:
round 1: WAS
round 2: TOR/CHA

worst case:
round 1: CHA
round 2: CHI

as the 1st you will most likely face:

best case:
round 1: ATL
round 2: CHI/BKN

worst case:
round 1: ATL
round 2: BKN, but they will be rested because of easy win over TOR


the idea of facing a rested BKN before playing for the conference title is scaring. on the other side, if thing stay as they are the 2nd seed will face WAS and then the easy CHA/ TOR matchup.

further, as IND you WANT MIA to play BKN, because MIA got swept by them in reg season and its a tough matchup.
it would be perfect for them.

whats you opinion?