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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) /

7. LA Clippers

Last Week: Lost to New York Knicks 106-100, Beat Toronto Raptors 115-96, Beat Charlotte Hornets 113-90, Lost to Houston Rockets 122-115, Lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 117-112

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 48; Under; Right

The LA Clippers made sure they got the matchup they wanted, dropping games to the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder to end the season and locking themselves into a date with the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs for the second season in a row. Both teams are better than they were a year ago, making the series all the more interesting.

Serge Ibaka will need to be closer to normal to handle if the Clippers are to do something about Kristaps Porzingis, as the big man was a destructive force against them a year ago before succumbing to injury. The Clippers’ focus was getting away from the Lakers until the Conference Finals, which may end up being a move for naught given the road they have to face now.

The Clippers should get past the Mavericks. They have been the better team all season and have two All-NBA caliber players. However, the pressure is real for the home team. Kawhi Leonard is technically a free agent to be this summer and another failure to miss the Conference Finals with a team they mortgaged their future on would hang over that process. Let’s hope this season Playoff P starts to mean what it did in his early Indiana days and not the version of recent years.