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

10. Dallas Mavericks

Last Week: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 124-97, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 133-104, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 125-107, Beat Toronto Raptors 114-110, Lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 136-121

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 42.5; Over; Wrong

The Dallas Mavericks have secured the five seed and will be facing a familiar foe in the first round of the playoffs. After being eliminated a year ago by the LA Clippers the Mavericks have a chance to correct what happened a season ago. Luka Doncic is better than he was a season ago and is up to the challenge.

Doncic was transcendent this season, averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. His overall numbers went down hit his efficiency went up, shooting 48.3 percent from the floor and 35.1 percent from distance. He is the type of player that will give the Clippers headaches in the first round.

The rest of the roster has been questionable all season but for once they are all available. Kristaps Porzingis showed a season ago that when he is healthy he can be a problem in the playoffs. In the six games, he played in playoffs last year he averaged 31.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists on shooting splits of .500/.364/.656. Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr. are some of the best reserves in the league this season. They are better than they were a year ago so a chance to get out of the first round is there.