Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Jan. 7

The Orlando Magic are still one of the youngest teams in the Eastern Conference. While they were fourth in these weekly rankings at the end of 2015, the Magic plummet to ninth this week as they have lost four straight games.

Struggling in the Southeast (1-5), on the road (7-10), and in conference play (9-12) is a testament to the Magic’s youthfulness. However, head coach Scott Skiles has transformed a once disinterested team defensively into a top 10 unit in the Association. Orlando is ninth in points allowed per game (99.1) and 10th in team defensive rating (103.7). Good defense is a great starting point for this young team aspires to make the 2016 Eastern Conference Playoffs, the first since the Dwight Howard era.

Boston continues to hang around the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference hierarchy, never above fifth, but never below ninth. Since they’ve been their before, I’d like to give the Celtics the edge of some of the younger teams in the Conference to making the playoffs again this spring.

Brad Stevens is doing a fantastic job as their head coach. He has the Celtics in the top 10 in offensive points per game (102.7, eighth), defensive points allowed per game (99.0, eighth) and team defensive efficiency (100.4, 2nd). A well-coached team like Boston belongs in the postseason.

Detroit is hanging tough in a strong Central Division thus far with a 5-3 record. They have this physicality to them that I believe will only serve the Pistons as the season comes to a close, thus pushing the Pistons into the postseason for the first time in five seasons.

A top 10 defense across the board will ultimately help this team find its footing come playoff time. The Pistons are 10th in points allowed per game (99.2) and eight in team defensive efficiency (102.1). Andre Drummond‘s growth as an All-Star caliber big man should end the Pistons playoff drought this spring.

Next: Tier II: Eastern Conference Finals Ceiling