Hoops Habit
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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 7, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) drives to the basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Pistons defeated the Mavericks 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) drives to the basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Pistons defeated the Mavericks 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Detroit Pistons

Previous: No. 20

Record: 14-24

Last Week: 3-1

Verdict: Blazing Hot

The Detroit Pistons are one of the hottest teams in the NBA today. Since waiving Josh Smith, the Pistons have won nine of 10, including multiple wins over contenders.

It’s time to stop questioning Detroit’s legitimacy. This is real.

Detroit’s used Stan Van Gundy’s patented system to secure victories that defy what they’d done earlier in the season. After starting at 5-23, the Pistons are just 10 games below .500 and 2.0 games out of the playoffs.

Just like that, Van Gundy has Detroit looking like a soon-to-be contender.

Over the past week, the Pistons have defeated the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors on the road. They also took down the Brooklyn Nets and suffered their only loss in a 106-103 battle with the Atlanta Hawks.

Detroit will get a shot at redemption when it travels to face the Atlanta Hawks on January 19.

Next: Light at the End of the Tunnel