NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Are the Sixers the best bet to win it all?

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

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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

20. Indiana Pacers

Last Week: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 111-102, Beat Philadelphia 76ers 103-94, Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 142-133, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 122-115, Beat Toronto Raptors 125-113

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 38.5; Under; Right

This season for the Indiana Pacers is one their fans are likely ready to forget. There have been rumored blowups between coaches and players combined with a myriad of injuries, leading to the Indiana Pacers sitting in the ninth seed entering the play-in.

The Pacers will face the Charlotte Hornets and hope to get Malcolm Brogdon back on the court to give them a chance to keep their season alive. The Pacers have dropped two of their three games against Charlotte this season but they will have home-court advantage. Domantas Sabonis should be able to feast down low and gives the Pacers a chance to move on to face the winner of the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

If they fail to get past the Hornets, it will be time to make tough decisions. The top five players are under contract for the Pacers next season but important reserves Doug McDermott and TJ McConnell are free agents and in line raise. The rumors around new coach Nate Bjorkgren are unlikely to quiet (no matter how much McConnell publicly defends him). The Pacers are at a crossroads as they are too good to truly tank but the roster fit with Sabonis, Brogdon and Myles Turner has been questioned for years. This could be the offseason the Pacers finally pivot.