The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the top team in NBA power rankings after starting the 2025-26 season 7-0, bolstered by a league-leading defense. The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers have climbed significantly with strong offensive showings, while the Cleveland Cavaliers have dropped amid offensive struggles. These rankings reflect early-season volatility two weeks into the campaign.
In the latest NBA power rankings from The Athletic and NBC Sports, published around November 3, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder hold the No. 1 spot with a perfect 7-0 record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the charge, contributing to an offensive rating of 117.3 (seventh in the league) and a defensive rating of 104.2 (first). The Thunder's starters include Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein, with key reserves like Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso providing depth. Despite injuries to Holmgren (back) and Jalen Williams (wrist surgery recovery), OKC has won all games, including victories over Dallas, Sacramento, Washington, and New Orleans.
The Houston Rockets surged from No. 15 to No. 2 or 4, depending on the source, improving to 3-2 with wins over Brooklyn, Toronto, and Boston. Their offense ranks first at 126.5, highlighted by Josh Okogie's hot start (63.6% field goal, 60% from three). Starters feature Amen Thompson, Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün, with reserves including Tari Eason and Steven Adams.
The Los Angeles Lakers rose to No. 3 or 5 at 5-2, going 3-1 last week with wins over Minnesota, Memphis, and Miami. Luka Dončić returned strong, scoring 40+ in his first three games, while Austin Reaves stepped up in his absence. The Lakers' starters include Dončić, Gabe Vincent, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton, awaiting LeBron James' debut.
Other notable movers include the San Antonio Spurs (5-1, up to No. 2 or 6), driven by Victor Wembanyama's improved inside play (3.7 dunks per game), though rookie Dylan Harper suffered a calf injury. The Philadelphia 76ers (5-1) and Chicago Bulls (5-1) also climbed, with strong backcourts featuring Tyrese Maxey and Josh Giddey, respectively.
Fallers like the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-3, down to No. 12) struggle offensively (111.3 rating, 26th), relying heavily on Donovan Mitchell amid injuries to Darius Garland (toe), Jarrett Allen (finger), and Max Strus. The Golden State Warriors (4-3) dropped slightly, rotating starters including Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga.
These rankings balance recent performance with forward projections, noting early-season small samples and injuries across the league.