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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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

19. San Antonio Spurs

Last Week: Beat Milwaukee Bucks 146-125, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 128-116, Lost to New York Knicks 102-98, Lost to Phoenix Suns 140-103, Lost to Phoenix Suns 123-121

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 31; Under; Wrong

After losing four in a row to end the season, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves as the 10th seed entering the play-in. Their time back in the postseason (if this in fact counts as making the postseason) is going to be short-lived unless an upset of note is in the offing.

The Spurs dropped two of the three games against the Memphis Grizzlies this season and have not looked good in recent weeks. Gregg Popovich will be back on the sideline in time for the play-in game after missing Saturday’s game for the induction of Tim Duncan into the Hall of Fame. Getting some of the younger players some experience with more intense games could do them some good. Derrick White and Dejounte Murray were a part of the Spurs teams that made it to the postseason in years past. Lonnie Walker IV, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell will benefit from getting similar experience.

DeMar DeRozan may be playing his final game with the San Antonio Spurs this week and he should be given his flowers for how well he has played in his three seasons with the Spurs. DeRozan transformed his game into a lead playmaker and will be one of the primary free agents on the market this summer. Enjoy his time in San Antonio this week while it lasts.