NBA Power Rankings: Cleveland Cavaliers ruin Christmas

125. After suffering through a seven-game losing streak from the end of November through early December, the Atlanta Hawks have evened things out of late. Of their last nine games they have won five of them, including two big wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors. The talent is there for this team and while missing Dwight Howard every couple of games doesn’t help their cause right now, it is the team’s hope that in the long run it’ll mean a healthier big man for the postseason. The addition of Howard has done more than enough to make up for the loss of Al Horford, but it’s been the play of Dennis Schroeder and Kent Bazemore that really has been the pulse of this team this season. Bazemore has been up-and-down all season and if he’s ever able to find a rhythm from outside (he’s shooting 27.6 percent on 3-pointers this year) than Atlanta could easily vaunt themselves back into contention for home-court advantage. The Hawks are a team that can go on an extending winning streak at any time. Mike Budenholzer has this team well prepared and geared up for success. As long as this team stays true to who they are then they will be right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference.. 15-16. Previous: . Atlanta Hawks. 13. team