NBA Power Rankings: Red-hot Hawks facing some serious tests
![Atlanta](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hBqHWGZlzmnsoBW.sPa6VA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/atl_2.gif)
1. Atlanta Hawks (Record: 40-8; last week: 1): Atlanta was 17-0 in January and has won 19 straight games, but next are games against New Orleans, Washington, Golden State and Memphis.
![Golden State](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0x7XTsAv7Uo.ogvUgPMaOA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/gsw2.gif)
2. Golden State Warriors (Record: 37-8; last week: 2): The Warriors visit the Hawks on Friday for what should be a dynamite matchup.
![Memphis](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YmQvr.dGbrdtwnRYyLtGNg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/mem_2.gif)
3. Memphis Grizzlies (Record: 35-12; last week: 3) Even with six straight wins and nine of 10 overall, the Grizzlies are still three games behind the Warriors for the top spot in the West.
![Los Angeles](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rz0.4WjLa8K5WgUwgrZjUA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/lac.gif)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (Record: 33-15; last week: 5): Western Conference All-Star point guard Chris Paul is averaging 20.6 points in his last five games while shooting 55.4 percent from the field.
![Houston](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XZ0NtVobrvqN23uNlrvP0g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/hou_2.gif)
5. Houston Rockets (Record: 33-15; last week: 4): The Rockets are surprisingly 11-5 without center Dwight Howard this season. He is out again indefinitely with a right knee injury.
![Cleveland](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a4RqqinNMwCpE9S0bjuGXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/cle_4.gif)
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (Record: 29-20; last week: 10): The Cavaliers have won 10 straight games, winning by an average of 12.9 points while holding foes to 42 percent shooting.
![Toronto](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iyQbhJdccPh2DLYA4cYUIg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/tor.gif)
7. Toronto Raptors (Record: 33-15; last week: 11): Toronto has won a season-high six straight games and are three wins from tying the longest winning streak in franchise history.
![San Antonio](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vQXl86QLOozM5K9K0PwS_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/sas.gif)
8. San Antonio Spurs (Record: 30-18; last week: 7): Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is three victories from 1,000 career wins and in typical fashion is shying away from any spotlight.
![Portland](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WF7mw9WMFgMhFRJhvd9KTw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/por.gif)
9. Portland Trail Blazers (Record: 32-16; last week: 6): Since not making the All-Star team, Damian Lillard has missed 27-of-39 shots the past two games, including 17-of-19 3-pointers.
![Dallas](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yuvghXvu58ZH.aiwtsjGwQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/dal.gif)
10. Dallas Mavericks (Record: 32-17; last week: 8): Guard Rajon Rondo has an orbital fracture in his left eye and a nasal fracture and is out indefinitely.
![Washington](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YfbFPjG5AVMN6ch8fwTR_g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/was-5c.gif)
11. Washington Wizards (Record: 31-17; last week: 9): All-Star John Wall has played in 180 consecutive games, but migraine headaches have his status in question for Monday night’s game against Charlotte.
![Phoenix](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yrhTkvT2pa90qle9y6_CKg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/pho_2.gif)
12. Phoenix Suns (Record: 28-21; last week: 13): The Suns would like to trade reserve forward-center Miles Plumlee, but are not getting much interest, a source told Yahoo Sports.
![Chicago](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5XPfMPOXCX76KjXmVKtMag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/chi.gif)
13. Chicago Bulls (Record: 30-19; last week: 12): The drama between Bulls management and coach Tom Thibodeau seems similar to the San Francisco 49ers’ situation with ex-coach Jim Harbaugh.
![New Orleans](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/67trdLlyULeJeNR3_1gAmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/j/assets/ipt/no-pelicans-70x70.jpg)
14. New Orleans Pelicans (Record: 25-22; last week: 14): All-Star forward Anthony Davis is expected to be back against Atlanta on Monday after being out with a left groin strain.
![Milwaukee](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1Ma0uG1plQ5Vv77YmLrpHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/mil_2.gif)
15. Milwaukee Bucks (Record: 25-22; last week: 16): So why didn’t the Knicks re-sign Bucks forward Kenyon Martin during the offseason? New York didn’t think he fit its new triangle offense.
![Oklahoma City](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hMPU6SBIZf6nbQg.30YUWg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/okc_2.gif)
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (Record: 23-24; last week: 15): As crazy as it sounds, we’re now to the point where it doesn’t appear to be a given that the Thunder will make the playoffs.
![Miami](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GZdJsl_ruxvuHm1LdEsx5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/mia.gif)
17. Miami Heat (Record: 21-26; last week: 17): Heat center Hassan Whiteside had a breakthrough January, averaging 13 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.
![Charlotte](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5SwJNHNhQ8nTg2KiWSJB.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/publish-images/sports/2014-10-27/b2936370-5df2-11e4-930c-17b1cac25c55_newhornetslogo2.jpg)
18. Charlotte Hornets (Record: 20-27; last week: 19): The Hornets are 4-1 without guard Kemba Walker, who is expected to be out at least six weeks after knee surgery.
![Denver](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qW9x4Yk_oBxQ3SlgUboiuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/den_2.gif)
19. Denver Nuggets (Record: 19-29; last week: 20): While the Nuggets have had their share of injuries, guard Ty Lawson perhaps best described his team as “consistently inconsistent.”
![Utah](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sjVOv4IDyY9yj7dBHOB0MA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/uth2.gif)
20. Utah Jazz (Record: 17-30; last week: 22): It’s good to see that the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league will be returning to Salt Lake City. It was last held in 2008.
![Sacramento](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Isgxyp8d_P8l.U8o6zrVFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/sac.gif)
21. Sacramento Kings (Record: 17-29; last week: 24): The Kings are still actively trying to acquire an athletic big man to play alongside All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, a source said.
![Brooklyn](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yf93r7jIRdg5D8M_JMjJWA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/dh/ap/ap/default/120507/bkn_50x50c.gif)
22. Brooklyn Nets (Record: 18-28; last week: 21): Keep an eye on the struggling Nets, losers of four straight, as the Feb. 19 trade deadline approaches. They could be the most active team.
![Detroit](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HwjV4bDncPYJpyaPom68cQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/det_4.gif)
23. Detroit Pistons (Record: 18-30; last week: 18): The Pistons are 1-3, including a 20-point loss to Philadelphia, since losing guard Brandon Jennings for the season because of a torn Achilles’ tendon.
![Boston](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EnRiQUSqmweShHyDOVaRig--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/bos.gif)
24. Boston Celtics (Record: 16-30; last week: 23): It’s unlikely the Celtics will be able to trade veteran forward Tayshaun Prince before the trade deadline, a source said.
![Indiana](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oDfYHaHLL.N0BP1LC7KzBg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/ind.gif)
25. Indiana Pacers (Record: 17-32; last week: 25): Even if Paul George could return from a severe leg injury this season, would it be worth it if struggling Indiana can’t even complete for a playoff spot?
![New York](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VHoxVdSOHtGNaPXZWjJXuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/kni_c.gif)
26. New York Knicks (Record: 10-38; last week: 28): A source said the Knicks are actively trying to unload guard Jose Calderon’s contract. Calderon is owed $7.4 million in 2015-16, and $7.7 million in 2016-17.
![Orlando](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MMk9drWlVqGph5v3e_fvJA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/orl3.gif)
27. Orlando Magic (Record: 15-35; last week: 26): The Magic could be waiting to fire coach Jacque Vaughn at the All-Star Break to give the team more time to adjust to the change, a source said.
![Los Angeles](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AM5_5qlIpKrm_r3jQVdpSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/lal.gif)
28. Los Angeles Lakers (Record: 13-35; last week: 27): The Lakers have lost nine of 10 and appear to be on their way to protecting their 2015 top-five draft selection.
![Philadelphia](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Rzrtnh36j0AYO9bSPKSi0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/phi2.gif)
29. Philadelphia 76ers (Record: 10-38; last week: 29) Veteran guard Jason Richardson is taking part in five-on-five scrimmages and is expected to make his season debut soon.
![Minnesota](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RCME9Vygj4H3PgW2BzwaEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-/https://s.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/min2.gif)
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (Record: 8-39; last week: 30) Guard Ricky Rubio, who averages 10 assists per game, is expected to return from a severe ankle sprain Monday against Dallas.
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