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NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Are the Philadelphia 76ers the best bet to win it all?

By Corey Rausch

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NBA, Sixers (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

22. Toronto Raptors

Last Week: Lost to LA Clippers 115-96, Lost to Chicago Bulls 114-102, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 114-110, Lost to Indiana Pacers 125-113

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 42; Under; Right

There is no reason to criticize the Toronto Raptors for what happened this season. They were set up from the start to fail by being relocated to another country for the entirety of the season. Some teams dealt with absences due to injuries and COVID issues but no team has had to move to another city for this long and try to play like the season was the same. Every team was vocal about how much of an issue being in the bubble was for the extended amount of time last season. While this is not quite the same, the effects are likely similar.

If this was the end of the Kyle Lowry era in Toronto that is an unfortunate end to what has been a great career for Lowry in Toronto. He has been truly great for them and this feels like watching the end in slow motion. The core is there for the future and Masai Ujiri has a way of turning things around quickly.

Excuses aside, this was a down season for Toronto. Pascal Siakam had a rocky season for most of the year. OG Anunoby was in and out of the lineup. But the future remains strong. Toronto feels poised for a bounce-back once they are actually able to have real home games, considering that was one of the true advantages in the NBA.