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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 Harry How/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

8. New York Knicks

Last Week: Beat LA Clippers 106-100, Lost/OT to Los Angeles Lakers 101-99, Beat San Antonio Spurs 102-98, Beat/OT Charlotte Hornets 118-109, Beat Boston Celtics 96-92

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 21.5; Over; Right

All of the jokes about how the New York Knicks and how this would not last proved to be all for naught. The New York Knicks have locked down the fourth seed in the playoffs and now have a chance to make it out of the first round by avoiding the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. Everyone got better with the Knicks this season and Tom Thibodeau looks all the better for it.

Julius Randle is going to be the Most Improved Player this year and the transformation that he has made this year is exceptional. He has turned into a franchise player, a year after coming to the franchise and not playing at this level. Long treated as the backup plan when the Knicks missed in free agency and pivoting to their ancillary option, Randle has shown that the investment was well worth it and he has helped change the perception of the Knicks league-wide.

This team is built around Randle to succeed in the short term. They are elite defensively and have the kind of shooters that provide spacing for their All-NBA talent. RJ Barrett was a different player in his second season and has made the race for the second-best player in his draft significantly more interesting than it was at the end of last season. Bring on the Atlanta Hawks.