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) /

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NBA, 76ers (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

27. Detroit Pistons

Last Week: Lost to Orlando Magic 119-112, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 102-99, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 111-97, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 118-104

This Week: 5/9 vs. Chicago Bulls, 5/11 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 5/14 vs. Denver Nuggets, 5/16 vs. Miami Heat

The Detroit Pistons are counting down the remaining second in their season, hoping to finish exactly where they are in the standings. They control their destiny in terms of finishing second from the bottom and not being able to slide any further than sixth in the draft lottery. The most important game of the bunch will come against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who the Pistons are currently tied with in the win’s column.

Beyond tanking, the Pistons will hope to continue to see improved play from their young core. Perhaps most surprisingly, Sekou Doumbouya has come alive over the last two weeks. The second-year player has averaged 11.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game and is starting to show flashes of improved play with an increased opportunity. For a player looking to find his way as the only player on the team not brought in by the current regime, this is a good start for Doumbouya.

Ideally for Detroit, the veterans will not be forced back on to the court to appease the league the rest of the season. There is no benefit to playing them other than soaking up minutes. Getting more looks for their younger players will benefit them down the line, as is made clear by the recent surge from Sekou Doumbouya.