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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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

6. Denver Nuggets

Last Week: Beat Charlotte Hornets 117-112, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 114-103, Beat Detroit Pistons 104-91, Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 132-116

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 43.5; Over; Right

The Denver Nuggets wrapped their regular season up with a halfhearted loss against the team they will face in the first round of the postseason but still feel like the favorites to make it to the second round of the postseason. While the Blazers have an MVP candidate who has shown the ability to put his team on his back when it matters most, the Nuggets have the MVP.

Nikola Jokic wrapped his season posting the following stat line: 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game with shooting splits of .566/.388/.868. In a season marred by absences (including plenty by his teammates), Jokic played in every single game and got the most out of this Nuggets team. They will not be an easy task for the Portland Trail Blazers to handle.

The other story for the Nuggets remains Michael Porter Jr. Since Jamal Murray left the lineup Porter has proven himself to be a threatening second option, averaging 23.5 points while shooting 56.0 percent from the field and 48.9 percent from distance. He is the dynamic threat the team has been hoping to see since drafting him three years ago and has offered the Nuggets a different two-man game than they showcased in the early season.