Power Rankings: Timing's right for a move

Power rankers big story this week is the rise of the Nets and Knicks. Every one of the lists show big jumps for the New York teams, with the Nets mostly ranked higher. The rankings range from No. 15 to No. 21 for the Nets. Both teams jumped an average of six spots. Two weeks ago, the Nets were in the bottom five. Amazing.

Rankings aren't likely to change for the Nets this week, with only one game in London.

John Schuhmann, NBA.com (17)

Even after running out of gas in Toronto on Saturday, the improved Nets defense has allowed less than a point per possession through six games in January. If they can get Deron Williams back healthy, they could be solid on both ends of the floor and keep climbing the standings. After a trip to London and a game in Manhattan, they play eight of their next 11 at home, where they've won five straigh

Marc Stein, ESPN (19)

The committee (of one) dropped in on the Nets for the first time this season Jan. 2 in OKC. The big comeback there sparked the Nets to a 5-0 start in 2014. And yet Mikhail Prokhorov still hasn't offered to fly us to London for this week's overseas gig as a show of gratitude. What gives?

Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports (17)

First-year coach Jason Kidd and the Nets finally appear to have gained some traction. Brooklyn was 5-0 in January before losing to Toronto.

Jason Patt, SB Nation (17)

It's tough to blame the Nets for the egg they laid against the Raptors after their exhilarating double-overtime victory over the Heat on Friday. Prior to the loss, Brooklyn had won five in a row. New York Basketball is back!

Matt Moore, CBS Sports (15)

Get on the train! The Brooklyn train! It's a train that's going places! Like the playoffs! Because the East is terrible! But seriously, Nets are better now.

Kurt Helin, NBC Sports (17)

They have won five in a row so is the light week — one game against the Hawks in London — a blessing or a curse? On one hand, all the older bodies on this team could use the light week of rest. On the other, they had momentum and now they will be sitting around a lot this week getting cold.

Jimmy Spencer, FOX Sports (21)

Brooklyn may get that matchup it wanted after all. The Nets' current three-game win streak, which started on the road in Oklahoma City, has pushed Brooklyn just a 1/2 game back of Detroit for the No. 8 spot in the East.

Brian Kamenetzky, Sheridan Hoops (17)

Impressive five-game win streak included victories over OKC, Atlanta, Golden State, and Miami. Now back in the E.C.’s top 8, within spitting distance of home court in Round 1. Unbelievable.

Matt Dollinger, Sports Illustrated (17)

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are still giving LeBron James headaches, even in their diminished state with the Nets. Brooklyn improved to 2-0 against Miami this season with Friday's double-overtime victory, a win that capped a season-best five-game winning streak.

Tim Bontemps, New York Post (16)

Two weeks ago, the Nets were wrapping up 2013 at 10-21 and looked on the verge of a total meltdown. But after five straight wins – including over the Thunder, Warriors and Heat – they seem to have righted the ship.

Mitch Lawrence, New York Daily News (16)

It's off to jolly old England in a couple of days for Jason Kidd's team, where they'll play the Atlanta Hawks. We're assuming plenty of good seats are available because that's how it would be if this game were being played in Atlanta.