NBA Power Rankings: Cleveland Cavaliers moving up in recent rankings

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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 5: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on April 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 119-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The middle tier

. . . Miami Heat. 7. team. 110

The Miami Heat are gritty, and they’ve always been that way. Since James’ departure from Miami four seasons ago, they brought in Goran Dragic, a consistent and efficient threat, along with centers Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo.

Re-signing Wayne Ellington and keeping James Johnson wasn’t fancy or too note-worthy, but it will get the job done. Miami is returning just about the same core that finished as the No. 6 seed last season.

team. 142. . . . Washington Wizards. 6

With three legitimate All-Stars, there is no reason to believe Washington couldn’t be in the East’s top tier. However, with Dwight Howard on the team, the Wizards could implode like they did last season. Even without Howard, the team seemed very hostile and it impacted their playstyle.

The Wizards finished the No. 8 seed in the East and were ousted by top-seed Toronto after six games. A highly talented roster featuring John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. with a below average locker room might, yet again, create a middle-of-the-pack team.