6 Reasons Miami Heat Will Represent the East in 2012 NBA Finals

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The Miami Heat are in the business of winning. With a 25-7 record, they sit atop the Eastern Conference and the entire NBA. 

With perennial All-Stars LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh leading the way, the Heat have a solid foundation for years to come, barring that whole James to Cleveland nonsense.

After handing the Orlando Magic a 90-78 loss on Sunday afternoon, Miami now has a six-game win streak. During the streak, they have won each game by double digits, showing an ability to put teams away early and coast down the stretch.

In the spirit of celebrating the Heat's early season domination, here are six reasons why the Heat will emerge from the field of contenders in the East and represent the conference in the NBA Finals.  

Continuity

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Miami is one of only a handful of teams that carried their starting lineup from the end of the 2010-2011 season into this lockout-shortened one. 

Aside from that, they have a healthy Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller and also added Shane Battier and Norris Cole to a team two wins away from a title last season.

Players who sign in Miami understand that every season that features James, Bosh and Wade will be one that includes championship or bust aspirations. With a mixture of returning players that understand this and new ones that buy in, they'll be able to reach that level of aspiration team wide. 

Adding a Veteran Center

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Reports have the Heat linked to both Kyrylo Fesenko and Chris Kaman.

While Fesenko is an unrestricted free agent and is ready to be signed by any team, Kaman would have to be either traded or bought out by the New Orleans Hornets.

Either one of those two would be an upgrade over Dexter Pittman or Eddy Curry, who haven't been able to contribute in the way coach Erik Spoelstra would like.

Maybe it's unfair to assess this as a true need for a team averaging 103.7 points per game and suffocating teams on the fast break. But if they can upgrade at center, it can increase the likelihood that they'll have an advantage over most reserves at the position come playoff time.   

Only One Team to Stop Them in the East

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The Chicago Bulls went toe-to-toe with the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Although the Heat came away with the title chance after winning the series 4-1, Chicago forced overtime and lost by three in two of those losses.

This year, the only meeting between the two resulted in a 97-93 Miami win. While that sits as a blemish on the Bulls' record, they still are 25-8, good for a half game down of the Heat in the standings.

Every other team trails the Heat by at least five games in those standings, and it's unlikely that any of the emerging teams will be able to compete athletically and also have the experience to keep up with Miami.

The Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks all present intriguing matchups for Miami, but it's unlikely any could win a seven-game series against a Heat team with home-court advantage.  

Derrick Rose Health Concerns

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Derrick Rose has missed the previous five games due to a lower back problem. The Bulls are 3-2 in that span and lack his leadership, scoring and general presence in their games. 

Doctors confirmed that Rose has no structural damage to his injured back. However, with the brunt of the remaining games in a tightened schedule sure to hang heavy, there are no guarantees the reigning league MVP doesn't face a similar situation down the line.

Granted, injuries could happen to any player in the NBA. But as the focal point of an offense that seems to struggle without him, will a Rose that isn't 100 percent have enough left to battle the Heat in the East finals?

That remains to be seen. The Bulls have revenge on their docket after their 2011 playoff exit, but without Rose, they are another average team in the East.  

Fast Break Offense

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When watching the Heat on the fast break next time they crack the nationally broadcasted TV schedule, notice how gifted James and Wade really are on the fast break.

They are both brilliant passers from every inch of the court, Wade is as creative a finisher as anyone, and James looks to break the glass every time he catches a lob and prepares to throw it down.

Aside from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, what duo can claim the kind of tandem they form off of a long rebound and quick outlet pass?

Throw in Mario Chalmers and opposing teams are better off taking the foul at half court or simply staying on the other end altogether. 

Hunger

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LeBron James took the brunt of the media criticism, after the Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks in last season's NBA Finals. He also took it upon himself to strive for better results.

It wouldn't surprise anyone if James has a picture of the Mavericks celebrating on his home court hanging in his locker. Bosh left the floor after Finals Game 6 in tears, and Wade can't feel like his 1-1 record in NBA Finals is satisfactory.

That being said, revenge must be on the minds of the Heat every time they watch LeBron toss the powder.

Heat fans, pray he uses that image as a personal benchmark for his postseason success this time around.

Everyone else, pray he doesn't.