NBA Power Rankings: Heavy’s Top 10 for December 26

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1. Cleveland

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Record: 23-6

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Last week: 2nd

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The Cavs have won five straight games, even with the loss of J.R. Smith (right thumb) in the midst of this stretch. Head coach Tyronn Lue has moved DeAndre Liggins into the starting lineup, and while he may not be the perimeter shooter that Smith is Liggins is an absolute pest defensively. And frankly, with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love doing the heavy lifting offensively that's all they need from Liggins. Smith's injury does exacerbate Cleveland's need for greater perimeter depth down the line, but for the time being they have the players needed to account for his absence from the rotation. (Getty)

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