NBA Power Rankings: Boston Celtics, LA Clippers are getting hot at the right time

NBA Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
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Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Even though many will disagree with my ranking of the Philadelphia 76ers, this is a team that I’ve quickly come to fall in love with over the course of the regular season. At least for me, this doesn’t feel like the same old Sixers. This version of the Sixers appears to be different and ready to make a deep playoff run.

I may end up being wrong, but I’m willing and prepared to be proven otherwise. I believe that the Sixers are going to win the Eastern Conference and there’s a good chance they could win the NBA Finals altogether (depending on who they match up with).

Joel Embiid should win the NBA’s MVP and Ben Simmons should get some serious consideration to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Despite what history may suggest, I’ve 100 percent bought into Doc Rivers, Embiid, Simmons, and this incarnation of the Sixers.