The Houston Rockets' recent slide has dropped them in NBC Sports' latest power rankings.

There is a distinct, undeniable energy pulsating through the Charlotte Hornets right now. It’s the kind of momentum that transforms a standard Thursday night road game into a statement piece.

Can the Rockets continue their winning ways against a hot Celtics team on Wednesday?

They will visit the defending champion Indiana Pacers on Monday in a game in which they will be favored due to the Pacers being in a gap year following the injury to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Check out our keys to the game for Hawks vs Rockets on Thursday night on NBA League Pass at 8:00 ET. The Atlanta Hawks (24-25; 9th in Eastern Conference) host the Houston Rockets (28-17; 4th in Western Conference) on Thursday night at State Farm Arena.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has pushed all the right buttons for Boston, and that was evident during a blowout win over the Rockets.

The Rockets fall behind early to the Hornets and can't recover to lose second in a row after loss to Celtics the night before.

Up next: at Atlanta on Saturday NBA All-Star 3-point contest: Rookie Hornets sharpshooter Kon Knueppel will reportedly participate Rookie Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter Kon Knueppel is reportedly headed to the NBA's All-Star weekend.