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 Harrison Barden/Getty Images) /

25. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Week: Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 139-135, Lost to Miami Heat 121-112

This Week: 5/9 at Orlando Magic, 5/11 at Detroit Pistons, 5/13 vs. Denver Nuggets, 5/15 vs. Boston Celtics, 5/16 vs. Dallas Mavericks

The difference between what the Minnesota Timberwolves should be doing and what they are doing is clear. The Timberwolves currently sit at 20 wins, tied with the Detroit Pistons for the second-worst mark in the league. They only keep their pick if they remain in the top three of the draft, meaning they should do everything possible to lose games and keep their odds right where they are.

In reality, the Timberwolves are competing every night, trying to build a culture that Karl-Anthony Towns will want to stay and be a part of going forward. Minnesota dropped both games they played this week but they are playing at a .500 level since D’Angelo Russell returned to the lineup. Anthony Edwards is making a push for Rookie of the Year and being statistically dominant for a team winning games is a way to make the case.

Starting to perform like a competent franchise is a good sign for the Timberwolves, the first time they have done so since a singular season with Jimmy Butler on the team. Losing out on the top five of this particular draft would be detrimental to the future of the young core but perhaps this is the only way to keep their franchise player happy. That level of franchise security is hard to quantify.