The Sixer Sense
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NBA power rankings: COVID stifles Sixers’ mojo

By Christopher Kline

Seth Curry, Georges Niang, Sixers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Seth Curry, Georges Niang, Sixers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Wizards, Sixers, Suns

  • 9. Washington Wizards (7-3)

Frankly, it’s not too early to say Washington fleeced LA this summer. The Westbrook trade has paid massive dividends for the Wizards, who were in need of wing depth and floor-spacing. Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell are both in line for career years, while Bradley Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie look the part of an elite NBA backcourt. The Wizards’ offense has never been a problem, but with a useful bench and some defensive fire behind them, Washington looks good. Really good.

  • 8. Philadelphia 76ers (8-3)

There’s a strong case for the Sixers to be No. 1, and they probably would be if not for Joel Embiid‘s sudden entrance into COVID protocols Monday afternoon. Philly has won six of seven and has one of the deepest teams in basketball. There’s a lot of positive energy around the franchise, but unfortunately, Philadelphia is probably facing at least a couple games without its top-3 players. Injuries and fatigue have a tendency to compound over time, and the Sixers could fall victim to that sooner than later.

  • 7. Phoenix Suns (6-3)

The Suns have won five in a row and look much more like themselves after a sluggish start to the season. Chris Paul and Devin Booker form one of the league’s best backcourts, while Mikal Bridges has earned every penny of his new extension so far. Phoenix is a well-coached team with Finals pedigree. It’s hard to bet against them in a wide-open West.