Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Jan. 7

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Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) reacts in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter during their loss to the New York Knicks at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers. 6. team. 100. . . Previous:

I can’t figure out how good this year’s Indiana Pacers team can become. While they are top 10 in points per game (102.2, 10th), points allowed per game (98.4, sixth), and defensive efficiency (100.9, third), I struggle to think that Indiana will get back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four years.

Being in a tough Central Division doesn’t seem to do the Pacers any services. Only Chicago was a threat to them when they went to back-to-back ECFs in the David West/Roy Hibbert era. To me, Indiana can win in the first round, but will need a favorable matchup to advance further in these playoffs.

. Previous: . Miami Heat. 5. team. 110.

The Miami Heat will likely challenge the Atlanta Hawks for the Southeast Division crown and possibly home court advantage in the first round. The Heat are a great defensive team, as they are second in points allowed (94.7) and seventh in defensive efficiency (102.0). However, I’m not sure if Hassan Whiteside is a long-term solution in South Beach, as the Heat may end up trading him before he likely walks in free agency. Pat Riley won’t extend him a maximum contract.

Sure, the Heat have great players on their roster, but at the end of the day, will the pieces truly fit? They may have a great record at home (15-8), but aren’t playing well in the East (11-12) or in the division (4-3). The Heat have only played 12 road games, the fewest in the conference. Time will tell how good this Heat team really is.

Previous: . Atlanta Hawks. 4. team. 125. .

The Atlanta Hawks are in a group of about four teams that can realistically challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. This team hasn’t clicked like it did last year, nor can we expect the Atlanta Hawks to soar as brilliantly at any point this season. Atlanta is good, but not yet great.

Atlanta needs to do a better job in perimeter defense, as the have fallen out of the top ten in defensive efficiency in 2015-16 (104.5, 14th). That metric will ultimately indicate what this team’s ceiling is. At this point, Atlanta needs a more favorable matchup than last year’s to get back to the ECF in 2016.

Next: Tier I: NBA Finals Contenders

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