NBA Power Rankings: Will The Real Cleveland Cavaliers Please Stand Up

team. 170. <p>Ever since the new calendar year, the Charlotte Hornets have looked – and played – like a different team. In the year of 2015, the Hornets are 9-3 and have, for the time being, overtaken the Nets of the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.</p> <p>And after a rough stretch in November, in which the team lost 12 of its 13 contests, the fact that the Hornets are still in the playoff picture says two things.</p> <p>One: this is a very weak conference.</p> <p>Two: No team in the East is ever going to be completely out of it, with the exception of the Sixers and Knicks.</p> <p>Still, the fact that the Hornets are playing much better as of late, and with <strong><a href=. (19-26). Previous: 22nd. Charlotte Hornets. 19