NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Philadelphia 76ers streaking

NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Philadelphia 76ers streak in the penultimate week

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react in front of Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2019 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) /

22 of 31

NBA, 76ers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

10. Dallas Mavericks

Last Week: Lost to Sacramento Kings 111-99, Beat Miami Heat 127-113, Beat Brooklyn Nets 113-109, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 110-90

This Week: 5/9 at Cleveland Cavaliers, 5/11 at Memphis Grizzlies, 5/12 vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 5/14 vs. Toronto Raptors, 5/16 at Minnesota Timberwolves

Flying under the radar, the Dallas Mavericks are starting to catch fire at the right time. They have won eight of their last 10 games and will be playing the final week of the season with hopes of locking down the fifth seed. There are five games separating them from the four seed so remaining right where they are now is a smart goal.

Of the teams competing for that spot, the Mavericks face a reasonably easy schedule. Four of the teams they will be going up against are non-playoff teams and the fifth is the Memphis Grizzlies, who have been stumbling their way into the bottom half of the play-in. It is easy to envision the Mavericks entering a first-round series on an eight-game winning streak and winners of 13 of 15 games.

Part of what is propelling the Mavericks is the exceptional play of their two top complimentary players. Over the last 10 games, Tim Hardaway Jr. Has been on a tear. He is averaging 20.6 points on shooting splits of .450/4.10/.794. Jalen Brunson’s statistical impact is not as noticeable but the intangibles he brings to the court change the pace for the Mavericks every time he is on the court.