The Hawks suddenly find themselves struggling to maintain a playoff spot thanks to the sudden rise of the Pistons, Heat, and Raptors.
Before the start of the season, ESPN mocked Atlanta at 4th in the East, lofty expectations that would have scored the Hawks homecourt advantage in their first round battle. Unfortunately, not only have the Hawks faced undue adversity, but three teams have shockingly leapfrogged everyone else in the standings.
The Detroit Pistons lead these three at the top of their conference in the midst of a 13-game win streak, on the back of their all-star guard Cade Cunningham.