NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

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Jan 9, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates with guard Tyreke Evans (1) after a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

14. New Orleans Pelicans

Previous: No. 13

Record: 18-19

Last Week: 1-2

Verdict: Cooling Down

The New Orleans Pelicans need to make some type of a change. They have enough talent to be in the conversation, but when it comes to making the playoffs, their level of inconsistency is a cardinal sin.

Trading wins and losses does nothing but create an even steeper uphill battle.

Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday have played exceptionally well on offense, while Tyreke Evans continues to stuff the stat sheet. Ryan Anderson’s uncharacteristically erratic shooting, Omer Asik’s limited game and Eric Gordon’s general inability to contribute and stay healthy haven’t helped much.

Simply put, something needs to be done to help this incredibly talented roster come together.

Whether it be a trade or an addition via free agency or the waiver wire, New Orleans needs something. Its offense is putting up points, but its porous defense is placing too much of a burden on the starters.

The Pelicans are still within a reasonable distance of the No. 8 seed, but they’re trending downwards.

Next: Flying Under the Radar