The Sixer Sense
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2018-19 NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers have new life

By Christopher Kline

Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

. 20-29. Previous: 24th. Orlando Magic. 25. team. 38

The Magic are wasting an All-Star season from Nikola Vucevic, struggling to keep pace with Eastern Conference contenders. There have been flashes from the young core, but they’re on pace for another disappointing season in Orlando.

. 20-30. Previous: 23rd. Memphis Grizzlies. 24. team. 211

The Grizzlies are now 14th in the West and in no position to contend for a playoff spot. After briefly sitting atop the standings earlier this season, their deterioration came at an unexpected time. Now Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are on the trade block.

team. 64. . 21-27. Previous: 22nd. Detroit Pistons. 23

The Pistons continue to get elite production from Blake Griffin, who should make the All-Star team. Andre Drummond can rebound the basketball. That’s about it as far as positive things happening in Detroit go.

142. . 21-27. Previous: 25th. Washington Wizards. 22. team

Bradley Beal is keeping the Wizards competitive, making himself an All-Star lock in the process. Washington has talent, but the roster construction, chemistry questions and slow start have all but rendered the 2018-19 season a failure.

170. . 23-25. Previous: 21st. Charlotte Hornets. 21. team

Kemba Walker will start the All-Star Game in Charlotte, and deservingly so. He’s been spectacular all season, leading Eastern Conference guards in scoring. The Hornets just don’t have enough around him to compete on a nightly basis.