NBA Power Rankings Week 17: A new number one and a lot of injuries

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Washington Wizards. 19. team. 142. . 23-33. Previous: 23rd

Last Week: Beat Utah Jazz 125-121, Beat Sacramento Kings 123-111, Beat/OT New Orleans Pelicans 117-115, Beat Detroit Pistons 121-100

This Week: 4/19 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 4/21 vs. Golden State Warriors, 4/23 at Oklahoma City Thunder

Slowly but surely the Washington Wizards are climbing back into playoff contention. They are in the midst of a four-game winning streak and have won six of their last 10 games. They have moved into a tie with the hapless Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot on the back of inspired play by a former All-Star and an energy boost from a former Bull.

Russell Westbrook was really good this week, averaging 25.3 points, 14.5 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game with actual respectable efficiency (shooting 51.3 percent from the floor overall). He has turned into the playmaking leader in recent months that was essential for any sort of Wizards success. Bradley Beal remains the leading scorer (33.0 points per game this week) but Westbrook is the offensive driver.

On the younger side of things, Daniel Gafford has been an unprecedented good addition to the team. Some Wizards fans are already debating between him and the injured Thomas Bryant as the starting big man for next season. This week was a good week for Gafford, averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per gamer. While anything more than the slogging stylings of Alex Len and Robin Lopez would have looked good, this is a different dynamic altogether. If this Wizards can keep this up (and with two games against the Thunder this week they just may) the play-in may be theirs for the taking.