On February 5th, after the trade deadline, here is where the four competing teams of the Southeast Division sat in the standings:

Magic: 26-24 (7 seed) 11.0 gb

Heat: 27-25 (8 seed) 11.0 gb

Hawks: 26-27 (9 seed) 12.5 gb

Hornets: 24-28 (11 seed) 14.0 gb

Today, about 5 weeks later, here is where they sit:

Magic: 37-28 (5 seed) 10.5 gb, 11-4 record since deadline

Heat: 38-29 (6 seed) 10.5 gb, 11-4 record since deadline

Hawks: 35-31 (8 seed) 13.0 gb, 9-4 record since deadline

Hornets: 34-33 (10 seed) 14.5 gb, 10-5 record since deadline

Additionally, the teams are all at least 8-2 in their last 10 (Hawks are 9-1) and have win streaks of 6, 7, 8, and 2 (respective of standing order).

Around the deadline the division looked dead in the water, with the surging young Hornets at least being something to look forward to. Now, only a few weeks later, it looks like all four teams have a strong chance at making the playoffs. It’s an exciting turnaround for an entire division at the same time!

(Meanwhile, the Wizards in this span have gone 2-13 and allowed the most points in the modern era to any single player, but we don’t have to talk about that)