Hoops Habit
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 31
Next
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Last Week: Beat Houston Rockets 140-129, Beat Utah Jazz, 105-98, Lost to Phoenix Suns 118-117, Beat Denver Nuggets 132-116

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 40.5; Over; Right

The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves looking better than they have for most of the season entering the playoffs and avoided the play-in and yet they still feel like they are the least talked about team among the group of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and them. They have a real MVP candidate in Damian Lillard who is finally starting to play better after dealing with injuries along the way.

Over the last two weeks, the Blazers have been the best offense in the league this season and 16th in defense. Being middle of the pack on defense has been the goal of the Blazers all season and finally limiting the roster to players that fit was all it took for the team to finally be the threat their fans have been hoping to see all year.

The Blazers are fighting for the future of their core and for the future of their coach. Going up against the Denver Nuggets gives them a chance against one of the few vulnerable teams in the Western Conference playoffs with a chance to move into the second round. Dame Time has become one of the most popular slogans in NBA fandom and a chance to watch him do that again in the postseason will only further build his legend.