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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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

17. Boston Celtics

Last Week: Lost to Miami Heat 130-124, Lost to Miami Heat 129-121, Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 102-94, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 124-108, Lost to New York Knicks 96-92

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 45.5; Under; Correct

The Boston Celtics came into this season with expectations of challenging for another trip to the Conference Finals on the back of their young core. Jayson Tatum has taken a noticeable leap this season, finishing the year in contention for All-NBA. Jaylen Brown made his first All-Star appearance and is continuing to grow. Robert Williams, Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith all looked good this year. And yet, the season for the Boston Celtics is a noticeable disappointment.

Boston finished the regular season with a .500 record and will be playing in the play-in game against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards are one of the hottest teams in the league heading into the play-in and the Celtics have gone through the motions since Brown went out with injury. Even though the Celtics won the season series 2-1 that is not indicative of what this week will bring. The two teams have not played since February. The trade deadline marked a turning point for the Wizards and the Celtics are not built to go against the new version of Washington.

The Celtics need to make it out of this play-in scenario to salvage some semblance of respect for this season. Even if they do lose in the first round is something that should bring about some changes in the organization. The roster was poorly built last offseason and now the team is paying for it.