Marc Stein, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

Power Rankings: Cavs belong in top five

Dribbling through more of the movers and shakers in the latest edition of ESPN.com's weekly NBA Power Rankings:

• The Cavs, at No. 4, are in the top five of our rankings for the second time in three weeks but just the third time in this roller-coaster regular season for LeBron James & Co. Can't imagine anyone disputing that this is where Cleveland belongs right now, though.

• Despite how well Oklahoma City is playing right now -- specifically Russell Westbrook -- I couldn't bring myself to bump the Thunder into the top 10. Not with Kevin Durant injured anew.

• The middle third of the rankings, which always tends to pose the biggest conundrums from the committee (of one), features two teams moving higher than we anticipated (Indiana up to No. 14, Detroit to No. 15) thanks in part to all the various injuries, controversies and slumps that have enveloped New Orleans, Phoenix and Washington. The Wizards have slumped to a season-low No. 18, after rising as high as No. 8 on Nov. 24, to thrust some unexpected pressure ‎on coach Randy Wittman.

• ‎The Knicks, in the wake of Phil Jackson's Twitter musings, are your new No. 30. With Philadelphia moving in the wrong direction, one win is enough to move the Lakers up to No. 28. For the moment ...

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