In the latest CBS Sports NBA power rankings, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets are on the rise early in the season, while the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls are delivering shocking performances. The Golden State Warriors are sliding, and the Orlando Magic have yet to gain traction.
The early weeks of the NBA season set the tone, as every game carries equal weight regardless of when it occurs. CBS Sports' latest power rankings aim to balance current results with reasonable expectations for the coming month, without overhauling the established hierarchy based solely on championship odds.
Winning streaks propel teams upward, but the rankings account for context, such as beating weaker opponents or temporary overperformance. The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets exemplify teams heating up, capitalizing on strong starts. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls are defying expectations and surprising observers with their play.
On the flip side, the Golden State Warriors are trending downward, and the Orlando Magic remain grounded without notable progress. These shifts reflect the volatility of the season's outset, where hot and cold streaks can influence momentum.
Related developments include LeBron James being cleared for basketball activity and Trae Young sidelined for at least four weeks with a sprained MCL for the Atlanta Hawks. Other notes cover Ja Morant's trade value, Victor Wembanyama's potential awards, and injuries like Walker Kessler's season-ending issue for the Utah Jazz.