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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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

9. Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Beat Washington Wizards 125-124, Beat Washington Wizards 120-116, Beat Orlando Magic 116-93, Beat Houston Rockets 124-95

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 35.5; Over; Right

The Atlanta Hawks are back in the NBA playoffs and have an interesting first-round matchup with the New York Knicks, meaning that one of these franchises finally making their return to the postseason will make it to the second round. The Hawks have been one of the best teams in the league since Nate McMillan took over as the lead man.

Since March 1, Atlanta has gone 27-11 with the eighth-best offense and the 14th best defense. Their free-agent acquisitions found new life under their new coach. Bogdan Bogdanovic came alive in this offense and adds another scoring dynamic beyond the one-man show that is Trae Young.

De’Andre Hunter is the x-factor for the postseason run. Has played only five games under coach McMillan, including the final two games of the season. Before his injury, Hunter was the best two-way player for the Hawks and if he can recapture some of that magic in the first round they could get past the Knicks. This is the time for the young core to prove that they are ready for the big stage.

After last season Trae Young made it abundantly clear that he was ready to compete and now he has the chance to prove that. His numbers slipped this season and he was not named to the All-Star team but the postseason presents him another chance to show out.