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NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee (1) gets a high five from teammate forward Joe Johnson (7) during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee (1) gets a high five from teammate forward Joe Johnson (7) during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Brooklyn Nets

Previous: No. 17

Record: 16-22

Last Week: 0-4

Verdict: Ice Cold

On January 2, the Brooklyn Nets were an even .500 at 16-16. Less than two weeks later, the Nets are 16-22 and rapidly losing their grip on a postseason spot.

A six-game losing streak is a great way to drop down the power rankings.

Brooklyn’s lost games to the dwindling Boston Celtics and the dreadful Philadelphia 76ers. Virtually every game has been close, but Brooklyn hasn’t been able to close out.

That’s starting to catch up with it.

With the highest payroll in the NBA, there’s no excuse for Brooklyn not to be contending. With such a dreadful level of consistency, the Nets are moving further towards the top pick than the playoffs.

The only upside is that the Nets still hold the No. 8 seed.

Next: Fighting an Uphill Battle