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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January 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Miami Heat

Previous: No. 18

Record: 17-21

Last Week: 2-1

Verdict: Warming Up

The Miami Heat have struggled in 2014-15, but there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Not only are they starting to win games, but the four-time defending Eastern Conference champions have found a budding star.

One of the lesser-known players in the NBA, Hassan Whiteside has been a powerful force in recent games.

Thus far in January, Whiteside is averaging 14.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.6 blocks in just 23.2 minutes per game. He put up 23 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers and had 15 points, nine boards and five swats in 21 minutes in a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Just like that, Miami’s season has gone from entirely discouraging to slightly intriguing. Unfortunately, there is a hurdle.

Dwyane Wade, in the midst of a superb bounce-back season, suffered a hamstring injury against the Lakers.

The question is, can Miami’s newly formed interior of Chris Bosh and Whiteside shoulder the workload in Wade’s potential absence? If Wade doesn’t miss time, can he stay healthy from hereon out?

If the answer to both questions are yes, Miami will be back to .500 in no time.

Next: Waiting on a Turnaround?