Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Jan. 14

The Indiana Pacers will make the playoffs this season and they could very well make it to the second round, regardless of who they play in the first round. The problem is that I’m starting to think that the Pacers aren’t ECF caliber in 2015-16, as the small ball era will likely limit the effectiveness of this club in year one in 2016.

However, they do have a superstar in forward Paul George. Should George get hot in April, then I could see the Pacers playing in their third ECF in four seasons. In reality, this year’s Pacers team can push a team seven games in the Semis and that’s about it.

Miami is interesting. We think that this year’s team could have a very high ceiling, perhaps that the caliber of the Atlanta Hawks, the Chicago Bulls, and the Toronto Raptors, elevating to the level of becoming the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest threat in the Eastern Conference.

While this team is great on defense and have a coach that has won at a high level for a long time in Erik Spoelstra, I have concerns about the Heat’s depth, offense, and frankly their chemistry. Miami could make the Eastern Conference Finals as easily as they could lose in the first round.

Atlanta is a strong basketball team, but it has a level of frustrating about it that could hold it back from getting to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals in 2016. Perimeter defense is a huge concern and consistency isn’t as big of a part of this team’s fabric as it was last year.

The Atlanta Hawks have an easy stretch of games over the next two weeks or so. Perhaps that elevates Atlanta into second-place in the East. However, the Hawks just played their worst game of the season Wednesday night against a reeling Charlotte Hornets team. The Hawks need more composure if they plan on winning big in 2016.

Next: Tier I: NBA Finals Contenders