2018-19 NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers end 2018 on sour note
125. . 11-25. Previous: 30th. Atlanta Hawks. 25. team
The Hawks have been oddly competitive of late, with Trae Young finding his shooting stroke and John Collins emerging as the top prospect in Atlanta’s youth movement. They’re still years away from contention, but Lloyd Pierce has a nice core to work with.
24. team. 38. . 16-20. Previous: 23rd. Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic might sneak into the All-Star Game, although the small market might hurt his chances. Otherwise the Magic remain perfectly uninspiring, per usual, with occasional flashes from Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba.
Detroit Pistons. 23. team. 64. . 16-18. Previous: 20th
The Pistons are sputtering and plateauing, which will likely result in a low playoff seed once spring hits. That’s on par with expectations, as Blake Griffin was never going to maintain his early-season MVP pace. Some roster changes before the deadline seem possible.
Charlotte Hornets. 22. team. 170. . 18-18. Previous: 22nd
Kemba Walker continues to prop up an average Hornets roster, leading them to .500 despite an underwhelming supporting cast. He’s an All-NBA guard right now and is one of the most underrated players on the planet.
21. team. 147. . 17-21. Previous: 25th. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are losers of two straight, but previously went on a nice run, including a seven-game win streak between Dec. 7 and Dec. 19. Caris LeVert‘s injury was a downer, but the other players have stepped up, with Spencer Dinwiddie, D’Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen among those showing out.