Six NBA teams that made the playoffs last season are currently out of contention at the quarter-season mark.
Free agency losses, coaching changes and injuries can all contribute to a team suffering a setback. But for these five teams, in the midst of a disappointing 2015-16 campaign in which they're failing to reach preseason expectations, they simply haven't been able to get it together.
Records, statistics through Sunday’s games.
1. Houston Rockets
2014-15 result: 56-26, loss in Western Conference Finals
Current record: 12-13
Consensus: The Rockets have found themselves in a hole that they just can't seem to get out of. In the wake of their best season since the Hakeem Olajuwon days in the '90s, with one of the best starting lineups (on paper) and the reigning players' choice MVP in James Harden, Houston has failed miserably to meet their expectations so far.
2014-15 team stats per game - Points: 103.9, opponent points: 100.5, point differential: +3.4, offensive efficiency (points per-100 possessions): 104.2, defensive efficiency (points allowed per-100 possessions): 100.5
2015-16 - Points: 104.2, opponent points: 106.8, point differential: -2.6, offensive efficiency: 102.1, defensive efficiency: 105.1
2. New Orleans Pelicans
2014-15 result: 45-37, loss in first round of Western Conference playoffs
Current record: 6-18
Consensus: With a young superstar like Anthony Davis at the helm, and a strong backcourt (when healthy), the Pelicans had high expectations coming into this season under first year coach Alvin Gentry, as they planned to push the tempo and improve their offensive efficiency. Unfortunately for New Orleans, their offense hasn't improved and they forgot how to play defense in the process.
2014-15 - Points: 99.4, opponent points: 98.6, point differential: +0.8, offensive efficiency: 105.4, defensive efficiency: 104.7
2015-16 - Points: 101.7, opponent points: 108.4 (last in NBA), point differential: -6.7, offensive efficiency: 101.3, defensive efficiency: 108.5 (tied for last in NBA)
3. Washington Wizards
2014-15 result: 46-39, loss in Eastern Conference semifinals
Current record: 10-13
Consensus: Despite losing the veteran presence of Paul Pierce in the offseason, the Wizards looked to be in a good spot heading into the year with some solid additions to their arsenal and the continued development of John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter. But instead -- 22 games in -- they still aren't firing on all cylinders and constantly find themselves treading water on the defensive end.
2014-15 - Points: 98.5, opponent points: 97.8, point differential: +0.7, offensive efficiency: 101.8, defensive efficiency: 100.0
2015-16 - Points: 101.8, opponent points: 105.3, point differential: -3.5, offensive efficiency: 100.6, defensive efficiency: 104.1
4. Memphis Grizzlies
2014-15 result: 55-27, loss in Western Conference semifinals
Current record: 14-12
Consensus: The Grizzlies have been one of the NBA's best franchises in recent years, with five straight playoff trips and three straight 50-win seasons. But as one of the NBA's oldest teams, they have struggled to adjust to the modern, fast-paced style of play. With three of their starters over the age of 30, and their other two at 28 and 29, the Grizzlies' best years may be in the rearview.
2014-15 - Points: 98.3, opponent points: 95.1, point differential: +3.2, offensive efficiency: 103.1, defensive efficiency: 99.9
2015- 16 - Points: 96.0, opponent points: 101.3, point differential: -5.3, offensive efficiency: 99.0, defensive efficiency: 104.5
5. Atlanta Hawks
2014-15 result: 60-22, loss in Eastern Conference finals
Current record: 14-12
Consensus: A 14-11 record isn't something to wrinkle your nose at, but for Atlanta -- after winning a franchise-best 60 games and earning the No. 1 spot in the East last season -- it's a big step backwards. The Eastern Conference is as competitive as it's been in a while, and the Hawks are suffering the consequences (currently in ninth place). There's a lot of season left, but after losing five of their last 10 games, Atlanta has hit a bump in the road.
2014-15 - Points: 102.5, opponent points: 97.1, point differential: +5.4, offensive efficiency: 106.2, defensive efficiency: 100.7
2015-16 - Points: 100.1, opponent points: 99.7, point differential: +0.4, offensive efficiency: 102.5, defensive efficiency: 101.0
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