NBA power rankings: Sixers slowly recalibrating after tough stretch

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NBA power rankings — Hawks, Grizzlies, Heat

9. Atlanta Hawks (12-11)

The Hawks have won a lot of games lately after struggling to open the season. Trae Young has adjusted to the NBA’s rule changes and is back to playing like Trae Young. John Collins has taken another step forward offensively, and the Hawks’ potpourri of complementary talent can only get better. Bogdan Bogdanovic is due for a surge at some point, and Clint Capela is beginning to show more flashes of last season’s two-way dominance.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (13-10)

Memphis is fourth in the West right now. That’s impressive considering what many believed to be an offseason of recalibration, with Jonas Valanciunas — arguably the team’s best regular season player in 2020-21 — being shipped to New Orleans. Ja Morant has made the All-Star leap, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is beginning to look like the top-5 pick many draftheads expected. They’re won four straight and have built up some real momentum.

7. Miami Heat (14-10)

Injuries have plagued the Heat in recent weeks, but there’s still a lot to like about this Miami team. With elite defenders across the board and a balanced, multi-layered offensive attack, the Heat are one of the few Eastern Conference teams to look like a real contender so far. Jimmy Butler is a borderline MVP candidate, Kyle Lowry has found his groove offensively, and Tyler Herro might win Sixth Man of the Year.