NBA Standings 2012: Heat Standings Update

The Miami Heat enter today's showdown with the Boston Celtics with a record of 37-13, good for first place in the Southeast division standings of the NBA's Eastern Conference. With sixteen games left in the regular season for Miami, they hold a comfortable 6 game lead over the second place Orlando Magic and a 7 1/2 game cushion over the third place Atlanta Hawks.

Miami has a firm grasp on the two seed in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, but they still has some work to do if they hope to catch the Chicago Bulls. Despite Derek Rose missing the last nine games with a strained groin, the Bulls have managed to maintain their lead over the Heat. They currently have a record of 42-11, giving them a 3 1/2 game lead on Miami. If the season ended today the Heat would still be guaranteed home court advantage for at least the first two rounds of the playoffs, but with plenty of games left to play LeBron James and company will no doubt be pushing the Buls for the top spot.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For complete pro hoops coverage, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Heat Vs. Raptors Recap: Big Three Lead Miami To 12-Point Win.

The Miami Heat snapped a two-game road losing streak on Friday night with a 113-101 in Toronto over the Raptors. Miami's big three went off for Erik Spoelstra, shooting the Heat to a 57 percent mark and their 37th win of the season. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh combined for 86 of Miami's 113 points.

Bosh and Wade led with a game-high 30 points each, as Bosh haunted his former team hitting 11 of 18 attempts from the floor and grabbing eight rebounds. It was his best game in some time, and as he always does when he goes off, he was a perfect eight for eight from the free-throw line. James was 11 of 18 from the floor as well and added 26 points and nine assists.

In addition to the excellent shooting, Miami was crisp and clean on the offensive end and committed only eight turnovers. They now travel to Boston for a Sunday showdown with the Celtics.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective regarding the Toronto Raptors, head on over to Raptors HQ. For complete pro hoops coverage, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Heat Vs. Raptors Preview: Miami Goes North To Toronto To Try And Maintain Momentum.

Can Miami build upon their momentum against the Toronto Raptors?