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 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) talks to forward Trevor Ariza (1) on the sidelines during a timeout against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) talks to forward Trevor Ariza (1) on the sidelines during a timeout against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Houston Rockets

Previous: No. 7

Record: 27-11

Last Week: 4-0

Verdict: Red Hot

The Houston Rockets entered this week having lost two of their previous three games. Houston’s responded by winning all four games it’s played over the past seven days.

The Rockets didn’t play the greatest of opponents, but a part of rounding into championship form is beating the teams that are labeled as inferior.

Houston’s past four wins have all come by double-digit margins, including three victories on the road. It started with a 105-93 victory at the Cleveland Cavaliers with both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love healthy and active.

Since then, the Rockets have earned a 120-96 road drubbing of the New York Knicks, a 97-82 home decimation of the Utah Jazz and a 113-99 rout at the Brooklyn Nets.

All three of those games were more lopsided than the score suggests.

James Harden and Dwight Howard are both playing at extraordinary levels, but the key has been the development of the supporting cast. Donatas Motiejunas is quietly having an excellent season and Trevor Ariza is beginning to re-discover his jump shot.

Houston’s rising as an NBA championship contender.

Next: Too Much on One Man's Plate