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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 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) squares up against Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) squares up against Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Sacramento Kings

Previous: No. 21

Record: 16-22

Last Week: 2-2

Verdict: Warming Up

With DeMarcus Cousins in the lineup, the Sacramento Kings can hold their own against the best in the NBA. Without Cousins, the Kings are one of the most underwhelming teams in the league.

The key moving forward is simple: Cousins’ health will be the determining factor in the future of the Kings’ season.

Cousins has been playing at an All-NBA level throughout the 2014-15 season. When he’s available, Rudy Gay complements him well and creates a low-high balance that’s tough to stop.

Together, they’re as dynamic a duo as you’ll find in the Western Conference.

Over the past week, Sacramento’s shown both sides of the coin. They blew out the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, but lost close encounters with the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets.

If Cousins can stay healthy, Sacramento will compete for the No. 8 seed.

Next: Back in the Hunt