NBA Power Rankings: Trade Deadline Impact Already Showing On Court
By Reid Mueller
The Pistons played the Boston Celtics competitively, and beat the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers to open up the second half of the season. Their biggest threat for their second consecutive eighth placed finish is the Miami Heat, whom they will not play down the stretch. They play four winnable games in the next week. If they can steal all four, they are well on their way to the playoffs. They’re looking for <a rel=. (29-31). Previous: . Detroit Pistons. 15. team. 64
Previous: . Chicago Bulls. 14. team. 24. The Chicago Bulls lost to the Nuggets after winning four straight. They will ride with the combination of <a rel=. (30-30)
Previous: . Indiana Pacers. 13. team. 100. The Pacers beat two playoff teams last week, Memphis and Houston. They’ve played well against some good teams this year, but have not found the consistency to perform well night in and night out. <a rel=. (31-29)
The Hawks struggled to get back to speed following the break, but beat the Boston Celtics by 16 points on Monday. Next week brings them match ups with the Cavaliers and Warriors, so any win they can get surrounding those games will be crucial in keeping their fifth spot safe. With an aging core, they need to make the most out of the second half of the season.. (33-26). Previous: . Atlanta Hawks. 12. team. 125
Previous: . Oklahoma City Thunder. 11. team. 149. The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Taj Gipson and <a rel=. (35-25)