Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Jan. 28

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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 /

125. . . Previous: . Atlanta Hawks. 3. team

The Atlanta Hawks are clearly the best team in the Southeast Division, but this isn’t anywhere near the team that won 60 games a year ago. Defensively, the team is getting back to where it once was, but they’ll need more consistent scoring from the backcourt to surpass the Toronto Raptors as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest challenger.

With the Raptors’ rise and the Cavaliers vice-like grip on the top seed, Atlanta will need a great stroke of luck to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2016. However, this teams should have home court advantage in the first round as either a No. 3 or No. 4 seed and should advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals this season. This is a good team, but not championship caliber like it was last year.

Previous: . Toronto Raptors. 2. team. 81. .

The Toronto Raptors are the hottest team in the NBA, winners of their last nine games. With the Cavaliers changing head coaches from David Blatt to Tyronn Lue, the Raptors could conceivably take control of the East should the Cavs struggle to find their ways with Lue on the sidelines.

For now, the Raptors are the safest bet for any team in the Eastern Conference besides Cleveland to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. I’m starting to wonder what is a worse matchup for the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Toronto Raptors or the Cleveland Cavaliers?

156. . . Previous: . Cleveland Cavaliers. 1. team

The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the NBA world on Friday when the front office decided to part ways with head coach David Blatt, despite being the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference. New head coach Tyronn Lue wants the Cavs to play with more pace, shying away from the often sluggish basketball Cleveland has played since LeBron James’ return last season.

Next: Kent Bazemore: Atlanta Hawks' 2016 offseason priority?

Cleveland needs to proceed with caution in this philosophical change to become more of a transition first team, as the second place Toronto Raptors are nipping at their heels in the Eastern Conference Standings. The gap between one and two in the East is as close as it has been all season.

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