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 C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

24. New Orleans Pelicans

Last Week: Lost to Golden State Warriors 123-108, Beat Golden State Warriors 108-103, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 109-107

This week: 5/9 at Charlotte Hornets, 5/10 at Memphis Grizzlies, 5/12 at Dallas Mavericks, 5/14 at Golden State Warriors, 5/16 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Until Friday afternoon, the New Orleans Pelicans appeared to be in a solid position to challenge the San Antonio Spurs for the final play-in spot. Brandon Ingram was already out of the lineup, but Zion Williamson was primed to push the offense over the edge. Then came the news that Williamson had suffered a finger injury and was likely out for the final week of the season.

If that was truly the end of Williamson’s second season the young star in the making acquitted himself well. He is currently averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the field. The league has not seen a force of nature in the paint like this since Shaquille O’Neal retired and if the rest of the roster could get on his level then they would have no issue making the postseason.

It is hard not to wonder what the Pelicans would look like if they never swapped Jrue Holiday for Eric Bledsoe and draft picks before the season. That trade also led to them sending George Hill (who they obtained alongside Bledsoe) to Oklahoma City for Steven Adams. Instead of having an All-Defensive wizard they are mired in mediocrity.