The Oklahoma City Thunder remain unbeaten at 20-1 atop the NBA power rankings for Week 7, with the top three spots unchanged. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves are rising into the top 10 as the season reaches its quarter mark. Multiple sources highlight the Knicks and Magic finding their stride with recent wins.
As the 2025-26 NBA season hits the 25% mark after approximately 20 games per team, power rankings from NBA.com, The Athletic and NBC Sports emphasize stability at the top while noting surges among several contenders. The Thunder lead with a 20-1 record, boasting the league's best defensive rating at 103.6 points allowed per 100 possessions and a 12-game winning streak, including a victory over Minnesota. Denver Nuggets (14-5) hold second with the top offensive rating of 123.9, despite recent home losses to Sacramento and San Antonio amid injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Houston Rockets (13-4) rank third, winning three straight without Kevin Durant at times and holding opponents under a point per possession in key wins over Phoenix and Golden State.
The Lakers (15-4) climb to fourth or fifth across rankings, extending a seven-game winning streak against sub-.500 teams, though facing a tougher schedule ahead starting with Phoenix. In the East, the Knicks (13-6) jump four spots to around sixth, reaching the NBA Cup quarterfinals for the third straight season and blowing out Toronto on Sunday during a four-game streak. The Magic (12-8), up four spots to ninth, go undefeated in NBA Cup pool play and win eight of their last 10, including edges over Philadelphia and Detroit without Paolo Banchero, who has missed eight games with a groin strain. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8) enter the top 10 at 10th, securing wins over Boston and San Antonio despite late-game collapses.
Movement includes Boston rising five spots to around 12th after beating Detroit, Pistons and Cavaliers, while Cleveland falls 10 to 14th amid a three-game skid and injuries. East-West interconference play sees the West at 40-36 (.526). NBA.com's John Schuhmann notes 84% of teams winning 11+ of first 20 games make playoffs, benefiting Toronto (14-7) but challenging Milwaukee (9-12) and Clippers (5-15).