NBA Power Rankings: Miami Heat is fading; Boston Celtics rising

Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
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Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

5. Philadelphia 76ers

With as much talent as this team has on its roster, it’s hard to count the Philadelphia 76ers out in the Eastern Conference. As long as Joel Embiid and James Harden are healthy, this team is going to have a chance to be dangerous in a seven-game series.

Many have questioned this team’s depth, but their top-level talent is mightily impressive. It’s one thing to have to rely on Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris as your No. 2 and 3 options. However, having them as your No. 3 and 4 certainly changes things.

Embiid is probably going to win the NBA MVP and there’s a strong chance this team makes it to the conference finals (at least) as an encore.