The first week of the 2026-27 NBA season has already given us plenty of talking points, from early statement wins to a few surprising starts across both conferences. It is still far too early to draw major conclusions, but the opening games have offered a first look at which teams appear ready to contend and which ones still have work to do.
Based on performances through Oct. 25, here are the top 10 teams in our NBA power rankings after Week 1.
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#10 Toronto Raptors
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Toronto opened the season with impressive wins over Chicago and Washington, showing good ball movement and scoring depth. The Raptors’ balance has been a clear positive, with several players contributing instead of the offense relying on one star every night.
However, the 117-94 loss to Minnesota was a reality check, as Scottie Barnes went scoreless on 0-for-12 shooting and Kawhi Leonard was unavailable. Toronto still needs more consistency from its top players and better answers when the offense stalls.
#9 Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta has looked dangerous through its 2-1 start, with Jalen Johnson doing a bit of everything at 21.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game. The Hawks are scoring 124.7 points per game and have already shown how explosive they can be.
The loss to Houston showed where the Hawks still need work. They gave up 121 points and struggled to get enough stops when the game tightened, so defensive consistency and closing possessions against stronger teams will be the next big test for the group.
#8 Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has made a strong early impression, highlighted by a 41-point demolition of Phoenix and another road win over Sacramento. The Trail Blazers’ young core has brought energy on both ends, and the team has looked much more comfortable playing at pace, but it is still too early to know how sustainable this 2-0 start really is.
#7 Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia’s first week has already had a little bit of everything, from a 29-point comeback against Cleveland to their first loss against Detroit. Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James have all had big moments, but the Sixers still look vulnerable on the glass, and their frontcourt depth is already being tested by injuries.
Currently at 3-1, Philly appears to be one of the strongest teams in the East, but there is still plenty for the 76ers to clean up.
#6 Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has been one of the early surprises, opening the year unbeaten and showing much better balance than expected on both ends. The Grizzlies’ defense and depth have carried them through stretches where the offense has gone cold, while Ty Jerome has been exceptional in leading the attack with 34.7 points and 5.7 assists per game.
The bigger question is whether that level can hold against stronger teams once the schedule gets tougher.
#5 Detroit Pistons
Detroit has gone on an undefeated three-game run, backed by Cade Cunningham’s 21.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. The Pistons have also been strong defensively, anchored by Jalen Duren. Their depth has shown up early, with Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Daniss Jenkins, Isaiah Joe, and others all giving them useful minutes around the Cunningham-Duren duo.
There are still some turnover issues to clean up, but Detroit has looked organized, physical, and much deeper than last season.
#4 LA Lakers
The Lakers are 3-0, and Luka Doncic has been the biggest reason why, coming off a 52-point near triple-double against Utah. Walker Kessler has also given them a reliable presence inside. But the Lakers still need more consistency from their supporting cast and cannot afford to depend on Luka and Austin Reaves producing huge numbers every night.
So far, though, their offense has looked dangerous enough to compete against most teams in the league.
#3 Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has begun its season 3-0, and the early chemistry between LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards has been one of the biggest reasons why. Edwards has carried the scoring load, including 45 points in the opener, while Ball has helped take pressure off him as a creator. Additionally, players like Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. have consistently done their jobs around them.
The main concern is whether their lack of size and frontcourt depth eventually gets exposed against bigger teams. But so far, the Wolves have looked balanced, dangerous, and deserving of a spot near the top.
#2 Houston Rockets
Houston has started 3-0, beating Dallas, San Antonio, and Atlanta while looking far more balanced than it did a year ago. Kevin Durant has led the way with 24.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Amen Thompson produced one of the plays of the week by blocking Victor Wembanyama’s potential game-tying layup in the final seconds against the Spurs.
The Rockets still have things to clean up. However, their depth, defense, and late-game execution have been impressive so far.
#1 OKC Thunder
Oklahoma City opened the season 3-0 with wins over the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets, and the LA Clippers, showing strong defense and enough depth to win in different ways.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point streak ended against Denver, while Jalen Williams suffered a serious-looking injury against the Clippers that could become a major concern. Even with those setbacks, OKC still looks like the best team in the league right now.
Edited by R. Elahi
