Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Nov. 12

For as much as I like the starting five for the Miami Heat, the bench still seems bare and that could prevent a talented Heat team from being a serious contender in 2016. I don’t have any issues with their starting five other than health. Erik Spoelstra continues to coach at a high level. However, Miami needs to start beating the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards with regularity if they want to contend for a Southeast Division title in 2016.

The Bulls are good, don’t get me wrong, but I they seem to have many uncertainties surrounding their team: a new head coach in Fred Hoiberg, many talented big men all needing minutes, Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler pushing each other for face of the franchise. Chicago could end up winning the East at the end of the day, but this team needs to have a little more continuity to push for a Championship. I’d like to believe it will get there.

The Pistons have been the story of the first couple of weeks in the NBA, outside of whatever is going on in Sacramento. André Drummond won Player of the Month, as he averaged over 20 points and 20 rebounds in the first few games. I had doubts about the Pistons early on, but having one big man has opened up space for the Pistons to shoot well from the field. They are well coached with Stan Van Gundy. I think they take the Brooklyn Nets’ playoff spot in 2016.

Next: Eastern Conference Championship Contenders