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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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

30 . Houston Rockets

Last Week: Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 140-129, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 124-122, Beat LA Clippers 122-115, Lost to Atlanta Hawks 124-95

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 34.5; Over; Wrong

What is there to say about the Houston Rockets that has not already been said. After the team moved away from Russell Westbrook and later James Harden the trajectory for the season was completely different. There was a time that the newer, younger version of the Rockets was 11-10 but a Christian Wood injury followed by a 20-game losing streak moved the Rockets into the role as the worst team in the league.

Houston is not without hope going into the offseason, but hope does not come without risk. Even with the best lottery odds in the league, there is still a 47.9 percent chance they lose their pick should they slide to five on draft lottery night. This would be catastrophic, as Houston is in desperate need of a franchise-changing talent to add alongside Wood, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate.

Should the Rockets keep their pick the future suddenly looks much brighter. They will also be picking in the slots for the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks, meaning an infusion of young talent is on the way in earnest. Most of the team will be back next season outside of Kelly Olynyk, who has been on a tear since the All-Star. Since coming over from the Miami Heat the free-agent-to-be is averaging 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game on shooting splits of .545/.392/.844.