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) /

16 of 31

NBA, Sixers (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

16. Washington Wizards

Last Week: Lost to Atlanta Hawks 125-124, Lost to Atlanta Hawks 120-116, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 120-105, Beat Charlotte Hornets 115-110

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 33.5; Over; Right

The Washington Wizards made a miraculous recovery from struggling just before the trade deadline to pushing all the way into the eighth seed with two chances to officially make it back into the postseason. Their record does not accurately show what they are coming into this match-up in with the Boston Celtics given the issues with injuries and COVID the team faced during the first half of the year.

Since March 26, the Wizards have won 19 of their 29 games while finishing 13th in offensive rating and sixth in defensive rating. They are peaking at the right time and have plenty to play for now that Russell Westbrook broke the all-time triple-double record and Bradley Beal missed out on the scoring title.

The Wizards should be able to make it past the Boston Celtics to lock up the seventh seed in the conference, giving them a fighting chance against the Brooklyn nets as they are getting back on the same page for the first time in months. If the Wizards are able to parlay that vulnerability into winning just a single game in the first round fans (and Bradley Beal) should feel much better about where the team is headed.