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

By Corey Rausch

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)
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) /
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NBA, 76ers (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
NBA, 76ers (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

8. New York Knicks

Last Week: Beat Houston Rockets 122-97, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 118-104, Lost to Denver Nuggets 113-97, Lost to Phoenix Suns 128-105

This Week: 5/9 at LA Clippers, 5/11 at Los Angeles Lakers, 5/13 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 5/15 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 5/16 vs. Boston Celtics

The New York Knicks enter the final week of the season with a chance to secure homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, though the margin for error is slim. Four games separate the fourth seed from the eighth seed Charlotte Hornets. With two road games in Los Angeles to begin the week, the final three games will be even more important.

In the final three games of the season, the Knicks will host the San Antonio Spurs, the Charlotte Hornets and the Boston Celtics. San Antonio has been struggling of the late, meaning the Knicks will need to grab this win. Then facing off against two of the teams that they are in direct competition with to end the season will give them an opportunity to control their own destiny.

This season has been a blast for the Knicks and their fans. Julius Randle is making a final push to be named for the All-NBA team and may have already locked up the Most Improved Player award. There is a chance multiple Knicks will get consideration to be named to the All-Defense team. The impact that Tom Thibodeau has made on this team is immeasurable, now they just need to finish the season off strong.