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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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

4. Phoenix Suns

Last Week: Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 123-110, Lost to Golden State Warriors 122-116, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 118-117, Beat San Antonio Spurs 140-103, Beat San Antonio Spurs 123-121

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 38; Over; Right

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the best stories of the season this year, coming from missing out on the postseason for a decade all the way to a game away from the best record in the league. They have an All-NBA backcourt and are one of two teams to finish in the top seven of offensive and defensive ratings. However, their first-round opponent is likely to make them feel like an underdog given all of that.

If the Lakers beat the Warriors in the first play-in game they will face off against the Suns. Phoenix having to face a finally healthy defending champion in their first playoff series since Steve Nash wore a Suns jersey is a brutal draw.

Phoenix is great and the combination of Monty Williams and Chris Paul has turned them from a fun story into a grownup, dominant team. Devin Booker on a big stage should be a blast and his number this season (25.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds on shooting splits of .484/.340/.867) are elite. The case for them making a run in the playoffs would be easy to make if they end up facing the Warriors instead of playing the Lakers in the first round or if they had finished with the three seed and had to face Portland.