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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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64. . . Previous: . Detroit Pistons. 6. team

The idea of the Detroit Pistons making the postseason and ending their Eastern Conference worst playoff drought is starting to feel more real with every game they play. Expect the Pistons to become more like the Stan Van Gundy teams that won a ton of games in Orlando. Detroit could stand as a beast in the East for the foreseeable future.

Just because they haven’t made the playoffs in over half a decade, we have to remain cautious about what Detroit can and will do in the playoffs this spring. The Hack-a-Dre strategy will play a part in their first round matchup unless star center Andre Drummond can magically learn how to shoot free throws. However, do expect the Pistons to win at least a few games in the first round in the 2016 NBA Playoffs.

team. 18. . . Previous: . Boston Celtics. 5

Don’t look now, but the Boston Celtics might end up being a top four seed in the Eastern Conference with the way they’ve played of late, combined with the Chicago Bulls struggles during the same stretch of game. While five through eight in the East is only separated by 2.0 games, Boston seems like they are the most consistent of the middle tier teams in the conference.

They’ve won four straight and are playing their best basketball of the season. Does general manager Danny Ainge continue to ride the hot hand of his club that is gelling together in January or does he consider making a move to better position the Celtics for winning a playoff series? Boston is the second hottest team in the East entering Thursday behind only their Atlantic Division rival Toronto Raptors.

Chicago Bulls. 4. team. 24. . . Previous:

While the Chicago Bulls probably have the most impressive roster of any team in the Eastern Conference in 2015-16, are we sure that this team can challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in both the Central Division or the Eastern Conference Finals?

The Bulls aren’t the Cavs’ biggest threat in the East, that team is Toronto, and Chicago could get upset in the first round as either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the East. Should the Bulls lose home court advantage in the first round, I can’t see them making it to the second round this spring.

Next: Tier I: NBA Finals Contenders

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