NBA Power Rankings: Can Lakers, Nets flip the switch for the stretch run?

8. Philadelphia 76ers

I have a feeling that the Philadelphia 76ers are only going to rise from here on out toward the end of the season. That’s because James Harden has made his debut for the team and he’s only going to raise this team’s ceiling.

In his debut with the team, Harden finished with 27 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds per game. He had about as good of a debut as possible and the Sixers have to be considered a strong contender.

Especially in a postseason series, it’s hard to see any team being able to handle the duo of Harden and Joel Embiid. A case can be made that this is the best duo in the East.