25. New York Knicks (Up 4)

(10-24) Last week: 3-0

Interim Coach Mike Miller is 6-6 since taking over for the axed David Fizdale. With this roster, that equates to witchcraft. Miller has dramatically simplified the Knicks offense – it's remarkable how often limiting the options available to players helps them – and he's inspired his troops to play competitive defense. The Knicks point differential since Miller took the reigns is -2.2; a huge improvement from the -10.8 of the Fizdale reign.

 

24. New Orleans Pelicans (Up 4)

(11-23) Last week: 2-0

The Pelicans resurgence continues, with impressive wins over the Pacers and Rockets. Whilst the Rox were undermanned, New Orleans completely overran Houston. Trailing by 7 after 3 quarters, the Pels hung 41 last quarter points on their opposition to streak away. This is what the Pelicans are capable of. Holiday was superb, Lonzo electric, Ingram put up the quietest 27 you'll ever see and Favors was a rock inside. This sort of form should quell the talk of a Jrue Holiday trade. Bringing Zion Williamson back into a side with solid veterans around him is imperative.

Could the Pellies make a playoff push with Zion? They're only 4 games back, believe it or not.

 

23. Charlotte Hornets (Down 2)

(13-23) Last week: 0-3

With the return of PJ Washington from injury, the Hornets have their presumed starting 5 for the rest of the season back together again. The unit of Washington, Miles Bridges, Bismack Biyombo, Devonte' Graham and Terry Rozier has played close to .500 ball when together. Injuries and Coach James Borrego taking some time to settle his rotations mean that those 5 have only started 13 games together. Should the Hornets play .500 ball from here on in, the playoffs are a distinct possibility.

 

22. Memphis Grizzlies (Up 2)

(13-21) Last week: 2-1

Memphis are trending in the right direction. After a horrible start, the Grizz went 8-8 in December, to finally build some momentum. They're not going to make a playoff push and that's fine – it's not their aim for 2019/20. What Memphis want is to see the outlines of a rotation.

To that end, Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and DeAndre Melton is a reasonable place to start. They've also got the bigs sorted: Jaren Jackson Jr, Jonas Valanciunas and Brandon Clarke. If they could pick up a solid young wing or two in the off season, then Memphis should have their core.