Week 4 NBA Power Ranking – Big shifts on the ladder while OKC Thunder clings to middle rung

Atlanta Hawks

Offense: (102.9) – 29th
Defense: (111.9) – 26th
Net: (minus -9.0) – 28th

Record: 4-9
Games Week 4: (1-3) Won vs. Nuggets, lost to Suns, Clippers, Lakers
Games Week 5 (3 games): Wed, Nov. 20 vs. Bucks| Fri, Nov. 22 at Pistons | Sat, Nov 23 vs. Raptors

Two wins to start the season gave Hawks fans hope the Hawks could capture a low playoff berth in the lowly Eastern Conference. 11 games later with only two more victories, the dream was put on ice.

Still, there are glimpses where the Hawks show why those playoff dreams weren’t necessarily coming from the left field. For example, beating the Nuggets on their home floor in Denver was a big deal. Denver only lost on seven occasions at home all of last season and Atlanta did this without John Collins.

The biggest question facing the Hawks is whether they can stay close enough to the chase pack for the final playoff berths. Thus is the status of the Eastern Conference. where aside from the typical quartet of power (Celtics, Bucks, Raptors, 76ers) the Heat and Pacers appear poised to capture the top six seeds.

Atlanta entered week five within two games of the Hornets and Magic who sit in those last two spots. That’s why the Hawks can’t be ruled out especially if they can bide their time until December 23rd when Collins will be eligible to return.