NBA Power Rankings: Miami Heat is fading; Boston Celtics rising

Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
8 of 21
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Trae Young (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

18. Atlanta Hawks

After making a run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the hope was that the Atlanta Hawks would take a step forward this season. Instead, the Hawks to a step in the opposite direction and, because of that, this roster could be subjected to big changes during the offseason.

17. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets continue to struggle on the defensive and that will probably ultimately be their downfall this season. They will probably make the Play-In Tournament, but it seems unlikely that this team will make the final 8 considering they’ll have to get through the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors, or Cleveland Cavaliers.