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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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
NBA, 76ers (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

26. Orlando Magic

Last Week: Beat Detroit Pistons 119-112, Lost to Boston Celtics 132-96, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 122-112

This Week: 5/9 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 5/11 at Milwaukee Bucks, 5/13 at Atlanta Hawks, 5/14 at Philadelphia 76ers, 5/16 at Philadelphia 76ers

The Orlando Magic need to stop pulling out a win per week if they hope to add a franchise player in this year’s draft. They faced the Detroit Pistons this week in a tank-off that went the Pistons’ way in terms of lottery balls. To take the slightest solace from what is transpiring, there are a couple of young players for the Magic that deserve some attention over the last week.

Cole Anthony is a transformational personality that has added a level of confidence in late-game situations. Anthony has hit a pair of game-winners this season and plays with an attitude that never feels unsure of the moment. Since returning from injury Anthony is leading the team in scoring (14.2 points per game) while contributing 4.9 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. His fit alongside Markelle Fultz still remains questionable but the talent is clear.

Perhaps a more pleasant surprise, Mo Bamba has finally started to flash his lottery talents now that his opportunity is being increased. Over the last three weeks, the big man has averaged 11.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in just 24.5 minutes. If he can continue to make progress he should be a good fit next to Jonathan Isaac next season.