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Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Jan. 28

By John Buhler

Jan 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) is shown during a break in the action in the third quarter of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Philips Arena. The Clippers won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) is shown during a break in the action in the third quarter of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Philips Arena. The Clippers won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 93. . . Previous: . Philadelphia 76ers. 15

It’s only a matter of time, but it seems like the Philadelphia 76ers are going to get out of full-blown tanking mode. They’ve been a better team since bringing in Jerry Colangelo, Mike D’Antoni, and point guard Ish Smith into the organization. This team will win probably 15 games this season.

Now that Philadelphia can win games in the East after beating Orlando last week, the 76ers will need to figure out how to win games in the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia is 0-10 in the weakest division in the NBA. Should they be able to beat the Brooklyn Nets, they may end up surpassing their rival before the end of the season in these Power Rankings.

Previous: . Brooklyn Nets. 14. team. 147. .

The Brooklyn Nets are still the third worst team in the NBA, ahead of only the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers in the wins department. Brooklyn boasts 12 wins on the season and even 20 now seems like a tough benchmark, especially if the Nets front office has to start moving key players as it should to try to salvage this collapsing franchise.

Brooklyn has gone 2-8 in its last 10 games is already 6.5 games back of the Milwaukee Bucks for 13th in the Eastern Conference. The playoffs aren’t happening for this that is 11.5 games back of the No. 8 seed Indiana Pacers. The shame in it all is that the Nets don’t have control of their certain lottery pick. That will go to Boston in a fair, but cruel rights to a pick swap.

13. team. 89. . . Previous: . Milwaukee Bucks

With head coach Jason Kidd back on the sidelines, maybe we will see a resurgent Milwaukee Bucks team in the second half? Milwaukee is playing better of late, winners of six of their last 10 games and are only a few losses behind Orlando and Washington for being able to get out of Tier V in these Power Rankings.

I expect the Bucks front office to make a move this NBA trade deadline to help get their team ready to compete again next year in 2016-17. This move will bring experience and veteran leadership to a team that at times is a little rudderless. Milwaukee is still exciting to watch, but not a legitimate threat to make the 2016 Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Next: Tier IV: Not Making the NBA Playoffs

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