:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6599919/20120421_kdl_ay2_269.jpg)
As you'll see further down in the rankings, Tom Ziller tells us that nobody fears the Sixers right now. I'll take it one step further as to say most wouldn't even recognize them at all. I imagine when being interviewed and asked if they're prepared for a first round match-up with the Sixers, both Tom Thibodeau and Erik Spoelstra would answer "Who?" (shortly followed by Michael Bluth asking "Her?").
With victories in Cleveland and against a surging Indiana (with Paul George <3) Pacer squad that will end the season with the 3 seed, the Sixers moved up one or two spots in this week's power rankings. So without further ado, here are the final power rankings for the regular season.
Tom Ziller, SB Nation - 16th (7th in East)
(No one fears the Philadelphia 76ers right now. Watch them take Chicago to seven.)
John Schumann, NBA.com - 17th (8th in East)
One win will get the Sixers in the playoffs. Two wins might get them the Heat in the first round. As a reminder, they're 0-4 against Miami this season, allowing 108 points per 100 possessions. They're 1-2 against Chicago, allowing only 98. They even outrebounded the Bulls in two of the three games.
Chris Sheridan, Sheridan Hoops - 17th (8th in East)
Do they get booed onto the court when they play Game 3 of their first round series? Regardless of what happens vs. Bucks, they are going to get there, right? Only have to beat Jersey or the Pistons, and they can do that, right? Or did they leave it all in Indianapolis on Saturday night?
John Hollinger, ESPN.com - 10th (7th in East)
Marc Stein, ESPN.com - 16th (7th in East)
We repeat: No. 8 is (marginally) better than No. 7 for the Sixers because they've been routinely pounded by the Heat and because the Bulls are still nursing D-Rose back to health. Also: Can someone please explain how Collins was supposed to do more with a team that doesn't even have a top-30 offensive threat?
Composite: 15th (7th in East)