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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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

12. Los Angeles Lakers

Last Week: Beat Phoenix Suns 123-110, Beat/OT New York Knicks 101-99, Beat Houston Rockets 124-122, Beat Indiana Pacers 122-115, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 110-98

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 49.5; Under; Right

Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers, it took too long for LeBron James to get back on the court and they will be facing off against the Golden State Warriors in a one-game playoff. While fans of the team cannot be happy, fans of the league at large are celebrating the chance to watch LeBron James face Stephen Curry in a one-game playoff.

For the defending champions, they have two chances to make it into the NBA playoffs by either knocking off the Warriors and the winner of Grizzlies vs. Spurs. Health was always the biggest factor for whether they would be able to push to repeat as champions. Now that everyone is back on the court James, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond and Dennis Schroeder will finally be able to gel while they prepare themselves for their true first-round opponent.

Much was made about how challenging the run was for the Los Angeles Lakers through the postseason last year but this season will be a whole other animal. Getting through the play-in is challenge enough but then comes a meeting with either the Utah Jazz or Phoenix Suns. Both of those teams will present more of a challenge than anyone the Lakers played in the playoffs last year. If the Lakers are lucky enough to get past them the rest of the Western Conference awaits.