Image Source: ESPN
NBA standings have taken an early and unexpected turn after two weeks of the 2026-27 season. Houston has climbed to the top of ESPN’s latest power rankings, while several contenders have been affected by injuries, uneven starts and surprising breakout performances.
The Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers all own 7-1 records, setting up a tightly packed race near the top of the league. The rankings, published Nov. 4 by ESPN, highlight how quickly the early-season picture has changed from preseason expectations.
NBA Standings Shake-Up: Rockets Seize the Top Spot
The Houston Rockets moved from fourth to first in the latest rankings after opening the season 7-1. Their biggest development has been the return of Fred VanVleet, whose floor leadership has brought stability to an offense featuring Kevin Durant.
Houston currently owns the NBA’s best offensive rating at 121.2. VanVleet’s ability to organize the attack, limit turnovers and create quality shots has helped the Rockets look far more controlled. The team also added Marcus Smart, giving Houston additional ballhandling depth when VanVleet needs a rest.
The Detroit Pistons remain one of the league’s strongest defensive teams. They rank first in points allowed and defensive rating, while their three-point shooting has improved significantly. Detroit is shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc, with Cade Cunningham, Kevin Huerter and Duncan Robinson helping stretch opposing defenses.
Philadelphia also owns a 7-1 record and has been led by Tyrese Maxey. The 25-year-old guard leads the Sixers in scoring and has delivered several decisive fourth-quarter performances. Maxey is averaging 11 points in the fourth quarter, the best mark in the league, despite sharing the roster with former MVPs Joel Embiid and LeBron James and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Explosive Starts and Critical Injuries in the West
The Los Angeles Lakers sit at 6-2, powered by an extraordinary start from Luka Doncic. The Slovenian star is leading the league in scoring at 38.3 points per game while shooting 49.7% from the field, 42.7% from three-point range and 88.7% at the free-throw line.
Doncic has scored 42 and 45 points in his last two games, strengthening his early MVP case. His production has also translated into victories, making the Lakers one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference.
Oklahoma City, which began the season ranked first, dropped to No. 10. The Thunder are 5-2 but have lost several All-Defensive players, including Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso. Those absences have weakened Oklahoma City’s transition attack and reduced its ability to convert turnovers into points.
Minnesota also slid sharply, falling from second to 11th. The Timberwolves are 5-3 but must now navigate an extended absence for Anthony Edwards, who is expected to miss around two months following a knee procedure. Ayo Dosunmu is expected to take on a larger role while Edwards recovers.
Portland has provided one of the most encouraging surprises. The Trail Blazers are 5-1 despite losing Ja Morant to a hamstring injury after only four games. Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard have kept the offense moving, while Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday have helped maintain the team’s defensive balance.
Rising Teams, Slumping Contenders and NBA Power Rankings
Memphis jumped from 14th to sixth after starting 6-1. Ty Jerome has made an immediate impact, while young players Cameron Boozer and Cedric Coward have taken on important roles. The Grizzlies’ fast start offers early evidence that their rebuilding plan may produce results sooner than expected.
Golden State also surged, moving from 27th to 12th after winning five consecutive games. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has scored 26, 26, 31 and 37 points during his first two weeks, creating a powerful new storyline alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
At the other end of the NBA standings, the Los Angeles Clippers have lost six straight after opening the season with a win. Phoenix is 1-4 and ranks last in defensive rating, while Milwaukee, Brooklyn, Chicago, Utah and Sacramento are each 1-6. Sacramento finally earned its first victory behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who hit a late three-pointer to defeat Dallas.
The New York Knicks, the reigning champions, are only 3-4 and have moved down to 17th. Mikal Bridges is off to a difficult start, averaging career lows in scoring and efficiency. Miami is also struggling at 2-5, with defensive issues undermining a roster led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
What the Latest NBA Standings Mean
The early rankings are not a final prediction, but they reveal several important trends. Houston’s organization, Detroit’s defense, Maxey’s emergence and Doncic’s scoring form have created a new group of early favorites. Meanwhile, injuries to Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant and multiple Oklahoma City starters could dramatically influence the Western Conference race.
With major matchups scheduled between Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Cleveland and Houston, the next week should provide a clearer look at which fast starts are sustainable and which teams are still searching for answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NBA Standings
Who is No. 1 in the latest NBA power rankings?
The Houston Rockets are ranked No. 1 after beginning the 2026-27 season with a 7-1 record.
Which teams have the best records early in the season?
Houston, Detroit and Philadelphia all entered the latest rankings with 7-1 records.
Why did Oklahoma City fall in the rankings?
The Thunder dropped because several key defensive players are dealing with injuries, limiting their transition offense and overall depth.
How is Luka Doncic performing?
Doncic is averaging 38.3 points per game and has helped the Lakers start 6-2, making him an early MVP candidate.
Which team has been the biggest surprise?
Memphis has been one of the biggest surprises at 6-1, while Portland has also impressed by staying 5-1 without Ja Morant.
