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Eastern Conference power rankings: How far have the Heat fallen?

By Wes Goldberg

Nov 3, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) talks to guard Kyle Lowry (7) against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) talks to guard Kyle Lowry (7) against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) brings the ball up court around New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) and forward Herbert Jones (5) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) brings the ball up court around New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) and forward Herbert Jones (5) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

The up-and-downers

4. Atlanta Hawks (Last: 11)
Record: 4-2
ORTG: 119.3 (3rd); DRTG: 111.8 (19th); NET: 7.4 (6th)

The Hawks stumbled out of the gate but quickly found their stride, rattling off four straight wins over the Bucks, Timberwolves, Wizards and Pelicans. The offense is soaring, playing at the league’s fourth-fastest pace and scoring the fifth-most fastbreak points. Most of the work is happening in the paint and Trae Young is playing a smidge more unselfishly in Quin Snyder’s offense.

5. Indiana Pacers (Last: 4)
Record: 3-3
ORTG: 116.5 (7th); DRTG: 119.5 (30th); NET: -3.1 (19th)

The Pacers run, pass and score a lot but don’t provide much friction on the other end. Tyrese Haliburton conducts it all and is leading the league in assists (12.4 per game) while averaging 24.2 points per game and the Pacers are shooting 37% on 40 3-point attempts per game. Bruce Brown has been a seamless fit but isn’t enough to fix Indiana’s defense alone. The Obi Toppin minutes, in particular, have been rough, and the team might need something from rookie Jarace Walker sooner than expected.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers (Last: 6)
Record: 3-4
ORTG: 107.0 (26th); DRTG: 109.9 (11th); NET: -2.9 (17th)

Darius Garland is back after missing four straight games (in which the Cavs went 1-3 without him) and had 24 points and seven assists in Sunday’s win over the Warriors. Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points in that game and is now the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 32.5 points per game. Getting those two back together and playing well should lift the offense over the next few weeks, while the defense has been better after a bit of a rough start.

7. Orlando Magic (Last: 8)
Record: 4-2
ORTG: 109.8 (16th); DRTG: 103.5 (2nd); NET: 6.3 (7th)

Paolo Banchero isn’t putting up monster numbers (17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists) but he’s been efficient (47.9% shooting, 8.0 free throw attempts per game) while Franz Wagner explores more of his game (averaging a team-high 18 shot attempts per game). The duo’s supporting cast has stepped up and the Magic have gotten good production from Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Mo Wagner while Jalen Suggs enjoys a bit of a renaissance (especially defensively, where he’s a menace). Unfortunately for them, center Wendell Carter Jr. will miss at least three weeks with a fractured finger.

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