NBA Power Rankings: Boston Celtics, LA Clippers are getting hot at the right time

10. Atlanta Hawks

After a tough first half of the season in which the team had to battle some injuries and a coaching change, it seems as if the Atlanta Hawks have finally turned the corner and begun to play up to their potential.

After the offseason that the Hawks had, many expected this team to take a significant step up the Eastern Conference standings. And they’ve done so and are sitting in the fourth spot of the East. Perhaps the most encouraging thing about the Hawks’ recent play is that they’ve done so well even without John Collins in the rotation.

He’s battling an injury but should be back sooner rather than later. The Hawks could be a real player in the playoffs and, depending on their first-round match-up, could play the role of spoiler once they get there.