Boston Celtics: Power ranking the Eastern Conference post-Harden trade

10. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have fallen hard since catching the league by the surprise in their first five games. Without Alec Burks (weird savior, I know), the team is unable to compete offensively most nights.

9. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks still don’t feel like a solid lock for the postseason. Trae Young’s regression from the 3-point line doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in the ATL, and John Collins’ impact has been muted next to Clint Capela.

8. Orlando Magic

Confidence in the Orlando Magic was a lot higher around these parts when Markelle Fultz was healthy. With the 2017 #1 overall pick tearing his ACL, Orlando’s already questionable status of contender is no longer a viable reality.

7. Charlotte Hornets

Even though the Charlotte Hornets are one of a few teams that sit at 6-5, they also feel shakey. This is not any sort of bias against Gordon Hayward, by the way. If anything, the Houdini solidly misses covering both Hayward and Terry Rozier, who has become a borderline superstar this season.

6. Miami Heat

For some reason, the same Miami Heat that took the bubble by storm looks shockingly mediocre in 2020-21. Without any core-shaking moves, this team may fall just below contender status in the new and improved Eastern Conference.