NBA Power Rankings: Lakers Take Over No. 1 Spot, 76ers And Spurs Make Strong Push

November 10, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially taken over the NBA after an outstanding 10-2 start, but the Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs are making compelling cases of their own. Philadelphia has emerged as the Eastern Conference’s best team, while San Antonio’s impressive early-season dominance has turned the Spurs into a legitimate contender.

With several teams outperforming expectations and others already digging themselves into holes, these power rankings should tell everything about the start of the 2026-27 NBA season so far.

30. Utah Jazz

2026-27 Record: 1-9, 15th in West

Team Stats: 106.2 PPG, 117.9 OPPG, -3.74 SRS

Utah lands dead last after an absolutely brutal eight-game losing streak that has turned its promising hope into a distant memory. The Jazz are averaging just 106.2 points per game, the second-lowest offensive output in the NBA, and their inability to consistently generate points has left them with almost no margin for error.

Although their -3.74 SRS isn’t the worst in the league, the current eight-game skid is impossible to overlook when evaluating momentum and overall trajectory. Utah has officially hit rock bottom in these rankings, and until the Jazz show they can actually finish a game with a victory, there isn’t much reason to move them up.

29. Sacramento Kings

2026-27 Record: 1-9, 14th in West

Team Stats: 109.1 PPG, 122.4 OPPG, -6.51 SRS

Sacramento has been unable to generate any momentum, dropping nine of its first 10 games and falling near the bottom of the Western Conference. The Kings are averaging 109.1 points per contest behind the confident Darius Acuff Jr., but their defense has been a major problem, allowing 122.4 points and leaving them with little room for error.

Their -6.51 SRS isn’t as disastrous as some of the league’s other struggling teams, but the losing streak tells its own story. Sacramento desperately needs a breakthrough, because the early-season slide is becoming a serious concern ever since Ben Simmons’ bad news hit.

28. Milwaukee Bucks

2026-27 Record: 1-9, 15th in East

Team Stats: 108.4 PPG, 121.6 OPPG, -14.72 SRS

Milwaukee, as expected, has been one of the most inconsistent teams of the early season, winning just once through its first 10 games and sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are averaging 108.4 points per game while allowing 121.6, a combination that has made them extremely difficult to trust.

Their -14.72 SRS reinforces how far they’ve fallen from the heights they used to reach with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee still has time to turn things around, but this start will raise serious questions about the team’s direction.

27. Chicago Bulls

2026-27 Record: 1-8, 14th in East

Team Stats: 112.7 PPG, 129.3 OPPG, -20.52 SRS

Chicago has been one of the league’s biggest disappointments, losing eight of its first nine games while playing some truly dreadful defense. The Bulls are scoring 112.7 points per contest, which should theoretically keep them competitive, but allowing an astonishing 129.3 points has completely undermined their efforts.

Their -20.52 SRS is the worst mark in the NBA, and it reflects just how badly things have gone wrong. Chicago desperately needs defensive improvement, because this level of play simply isn’t sustainable, even if Caleb Wilson and Josh Giddey look good together.

26. Brooklyn Nets

2026-27 Record: 2-8, 13th in East

Team Stats: 106.7 PPG, 115.7 OPPG, -12.82 SRS

Brooklyn has found itself near the bottom of the Eastern Conference after winning just two of its first 10 games. The Nets are averaging 106.7 points per contest, and their defensive struggles have made it difficult to overcome that limited offensive production.

A -12.82 SRS tells the story of a team that has been outmatched far too frequently. Brooklyn needs to find some momentum soon, although the early results suggest a long season could be ahead. Did we expect anything different, to be fair? Nope.

25. Los Angeles Clippers

2026-27 Record: 2-7, 13th in West

Team Stats: 112.4 PPG, 116.4 OPPG, +0.87 SRS

The Clippers have had a miserable opening stretch, losing seven of their first nine games and falling toward the bottom of the Western Conference. Los Angeles is averaging 112.4 points per game, but its defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses, allowing 116.4 points.

Despite the ugly record, the Clippers’ positive SRS suggests they may have been somewhat unlucky in close games. Still, potential only gets you so far, and this team needs actual victories before anyone starts taking its postseason hopes seriously. Perhaps the Clippers will miss the Kawhi Leonard more than they thought.

24. Orlando Magic

2026-27 Record: 2-7, 12th in East

Team Stats: 107.0 PPG, 116.2 OPPG, -7.76 SRS

Orlando has endured a rough start, winning just twice through its first nine games and struggling to find consistency on both ends of the floor. The Magic are averaging 107.0 points per game, while allowing 116.2, leaving them with a sizable scoring deficit.

Their -7.76 SRS reflects the disappointing performances that have contributed to their losing record. Orlando has the potential to be better than this, but right now the Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner experiment isn’t working, as Jalen Suggs’ injury timeline is still up in the air.

23. Indiana Pacers

2026-27 Record: 3-8, 11th in East

Team Stats: 111.4 PPG, 115.2 OPPG, -6.13 SRS

Indiana has surprisingly struggled to find its footing, losing eight of its first 11 games and falling toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Pacers are averaging 111.4 points per contest, but their defense has been too inconsistent to keep them in games, allowing 115.2 points.

Not having Tyrese Haliburton for the entire season so far hasn’t been ideal, but there have been too many ugly losses regardless. Indiana still has opportunities to recover, but the early-season damage is becoming difficult to ignore.

22. Phoenix Suns

2026-27 Record: 3-6, 12th in West

Team Stats: 110.6 PPG, 119.0 OPPG, +0.59 SRS

Phoenix has been disappointing through its first nine games, losing six while allowing opponents to score far too freely. The Suns are averaging 110.6 points per game, but their 119.0 points allowed have made it difficult to generate consistent victories.

Thanks to the brilliant Devin Booker, Phoenix has enough offensive ability to recover, but its defense needs a great improvement before this season gets away from it. Do we see the Suns climbing up much higher in the rankings, though? Probably not.

21. New Orleans Pelicans

2026-27 Record: 4-7, 11th in West

Team Stats: 117.5 PPG, 122.4 OPPG, -3.02 SRS

Unsurprisingly, New Orleans has been one of the league’s most frustrating teams to evaluate, combining an impressive 117.5 points per game with a defense that has been almost impossible to trust. The Pelicans have lost seven of their first 11 games, allowing 122.4 points per contest and regularly putting themselves in difficult situations.

New Orleans has the firepower to compete, but it desperately needs to stop giving games away. Based on their track record over the past few seasons, changing their direction likely won’t happen, and neither will their ability to string together a winning streak.

20. Washington Wizards

2026-27 Record: 4-7, 10th in East

Team Stats: 108.1 PPG, 113.4 OPPG, -11.13 SRS

Washington has managed to collect four victories through its first 11 games, but the overall numbers paint a less encouraging picture. The Wizards are scoring just 108.1 points per game while allowing 113.4, leaving them with a significant scoring deficit.

So what’s the issue? Their starting lineup around Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and rookie AJ Dybantsa has looked very raw and inconsistent. Davis has had some great performances, but the team isn’t clicking around him. Washington’s supporting players need to be looked at because they aren’t defending well as a team.

19. Charlotte Hornets

2026-27 Record: 4-7, 9th in East

Team Stats: 98.8 PPG, 110.4 OPPG, -16.31 SRS

With LaMelo Ball gone and Kon Knueppel out with an unfortunate injury, Charlotte’s offensive production has been downright concerning. The Hornets are averaging just 98.8 points per game, the lowest figure among all 30 teams, and their -16.31 SRS reflects how badly they’ve struggled to compete consistently.

Their defense has been somewhat respectable compared with their offense, but that doesn’t help much when scoring becomes such a challenge. Charlotte needs to find some offensive life quickly, because this start has been ugly.

18. Miami Heat

2026-27 Record: 4-6, 8th in East

Team Stats: 115.8 PPG, 121.1 OPPG, -3.81 SRS

Miami has had a frustrating start to the season in terms of play and off-court drama, winning just four of its first 10 games while struggling to contain opposing offenses. The Heat are averaging a respectable 115.8 points per contest, but allowing 121.1 points is a recipe for trouble.

Their defensive identity, traditionally one of their greatest strengths, has been noticeably absent from these numbers. We did not expect that from a team that starts Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo together. Now, Miami has enough offense from Giannis to remain competitive, but it needs to rediscover its toughness before its season starts slipping away.

17. Cleveland Cavaliers

2026-27 Record: 5-6, 7th in East

Team Stats: 116.5 PPG, 115.0 OPPG, -1.29 SRS

Cleveland has stumbled out of the gate with a losing record through its first 11 games, and the early results have been more frustrating than encouraging. The Cavaliers have not looked like the championship contender that made the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

The offensive production is there, which is no surprise since Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are in the backcourt, but the overall consistency hasn’t followed. Cleveland has the talent to turn things around, but it needs to start stacking wins before the standings become a bigger problem.

16. Toronto Raptors

2026-27 Record: 5-5, 6th in East

Team Stats: 116.6 PPG, 113.3 OPPG, +0.66 SRS

Toronto has been the definition of a middle-of-the-pack team so far, splitting its first 10 games while remaining competitive on both ends. The Raptors are averaging 116.6 points per game, a strong offensive number that has helped them avoid falling behind in the standings.

But Kawhi Leonard has only played two games so far this season, so their .500 record is somewhat expected. Will Leonard continue his never-ending cycle of poor health and attrition? There hasn’t been much evidence that Kawhi is at his healthiest right now, but the Raptors are hoping his return could spark some winning play.

15. Denver Nuggets

2026-27 Record: 5-4, 10th in West

Team Stats: 113.6 PPG, 112.8 OPPG, +4.76 SRS

Denver has gotten off to a weird start, winning five of its first nine games. The Nuggets are averaging 113.6 points per contest, but their defense has allowed nearly as many points as their offense produces, making their games tighter than necessary. It doesn’t help that Nikola Jokic is surprisingly struggling to start the season.

Quite frankly, that has been the case since Michael Malone left the sidelines. With Jokic and Jamal Murray leading the way, Denver has the talent to make a serious run, but it needs to start playing like a contender rather than simply looking the part at times.

14. New York Knicks

2026-27 Record: 5-4, 5th in East

Team Stats: 109.9 PPG, 104.2 OPPG, -1.86 SRS

New York has been a little uneven to start the season, but its defensive numbers remain among the most impressive in the league. The Knicks are allowing just 104.2 points per game, tied with Oklahoma City for the lowest figure in these standings, and that defensive foundation gives them a chance against anyone.

The offense, however, has been less explosive than expected, averaging just 109.9 points. The reigning NBA champions will likely up their play once the months go by, but their start overall has been less than spectacular.

13. Dallas Mavericks

2026-27 Record: 7-4, 9th in West

Team Stats: 114.9 PPG, 110.3 OPPG, +7.31 SRS

Dallas has made a solid early-season impression, winning seven of its first 11 games and maintaining a positive scoring differential. The Mavericks have been productive offensively thanks to Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, and they have managed to string together some big wins to start the season.

Their +7.31 SRS also suggests a team that has been better than merely average, even if it hasn’t received the same attention as some of the conference’s other contenders. Dallas is building a promising foundation, and its early record puts it firmly in the conversation.

12. Atlanta Hawks

2026-27 Record: 7-5, 4th in East

Team Stats: 118.3 PPG, 116.2 OPPG, -0.99 SRS

Atlanta has been one of the NBA’s most entertaining offensive teams to start the season, averaging an impressive 118.3 points per game. The Hawks have seven victories through 12 games, keeping themselves firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

The problem is that their defense has been far less convincing, allowing 116.2 points per contest and leaving little margin for error. Atlanta should be better than they are defensively considering their personnel, and a negative rating doesn’t look too good if they want to make bigger noise down the line.

11. Portland Trail Blazers

2026-27 Record: 6-3, 8th in West

Team Stats: 119.3 PPG, 113.8 OPPG, +9.96 SRS

Portland has been one of the early-season surprises, winning six of its first nine games while putting up an impressive 119.3 points per contest. The Trail Blazers have found a way to make the Damian Lillard experiment work, and we are all for it. That is some serious firepower whenever Ja Morant comes back, relaxing any doubts about how this new team would work.

They’re not quite in the same conversation as the Lakers or Spurs at the top of the West yet, but they’re doing enough to earn some serious attention. Portland’s start has been encouraging, and the Blazers look far more dangerous than we thought they would be.

10. Memphis Grizzlies

2026-27 Record: 7-3, 7th in West

Team Stats: 117.9 PPG, 110.8 OPPG, +7.57 SRS

Memphis has been the biggest shock of the Western Conference, and possibly the entire league, by winning seven of its first 10 games. The Grizzlies are averaging nearly 118 points per game and have maintained a respectable defensive profile, making them a difficult matchup for teams that struggle with physicality.

Their +7.57 SRS suggests that their record is supported by more than just favorable scheduling. Memphis has plenty of room to climb and has played almost perfectly behind rookie Cam Boozer. Now, will reality hit at some point this season? Not to sound negative, but most likely they will. Still, let’s ride the hype train for now.

9. Detroit Pistons

2026-27 Record: 7-3, 3rd in East

Team Stats: 112.7 PPG, 104.6 OPPG, +2.22 SRS

Despite all the drama that the Pistons had to endure before the season regarding Jalen Duren‘s contract, they have bounced back with some solid play. Just like last season, Detroit is playing well on both ends and looks to be an Eastern Conference contender.

Detroit is also actively establishing itself as a team nobody wants to face. If their defensive intensity holds, the Pistons could become a serious problem in the East. The key for them is getting Ausar Thompson, Duncan Robinson, and their supporting cast to hit shots when their numbers are called.

8. Golden State Warriors

2026-27 Record: 8-3, 4th in West

Team Stats: 120.4 PPG, 111.2 OPPG, +12.14 SRS

Golden State has looked rejuvenated, winning eight of its first 11 games while producing one of the league’s most explosive offenses. The Warriors are averaging 120.4 points per contest, second only to the Lakers among Western Conference teams, and their +12.14 SRS shows that their success has been backed by strong performances.

They still have the ability to turn any game into a shooting exhibition, and that makes them particularly dangerous. Anytime Stephen Curry is shooting over 45% from three to start the season, wins will certainly follow. Credit should also go to Yaxel Lendeborg, who looks to be an All-Star-caliber player already.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

2026-27 Record: 8-3, 5th in West

Team Stats: 118.1 PPG, 107.0 OPPG, +11.80 SRS

Minnesota has picked up right where it left off as one of the Western Conference’s toughest teams. The Timberwolves have won eight of their first 11 games while averaging 118.1 points and allowing only 107.0, showing that their defensive identity hasn’t disappeared.

The loss of their bigs hasn’t affected their play in that regard, and in some ways, they look even better this season than last. That is happening even without Anthony Edwards, who has only played four games so far. While winning games, Minnesota has the look of a team that will make life miserable for anyone hoping for an easy playoff matchup.

6. Houston Rockets

2026-27 Record: 8-3, 6th in West

Team Stats: 115.5 PPG, 106.4 OPPG, +13.04 SRS

Houston has been one of the most convincing teams in the NBA so far, putting together an 8-3 start while maintaining an excellent balance on both ends. The Rockets are scoring 115.5 points per game and holding opponents to just 106.4, a combination that has made them extremely difficult to beat.

Their +13.04 SRS is another reminder that this team has been performing at an elite level. Houston looks like a legitimate threat to climb even higher, and the early results suggest this isn’t a fluke. They have dropped some ugly losses to the Mavericks and Suns, but we don’t expect that to continue moving forward.

5. Boston Celtics

2026-27 Record: 8-2, 2nd in East

Team Stats: 115.0 PPG, 104.3 OPPG, +1.30 SRS

Even without Jaylen Brown and some ugly losses early in the season, Boston continues to look like one of the most dependable teams in basketball, opening the season with eight victories in its first 10 games. The Celtics have been particularly impressive defensively, allowing just 104.3 points per contest, a figure that gives them a strong foundation even when their offense isn’t clicking perfectly.

We know the Celtics have a system that works for them, and Jayson Tatum is an MVP-level player for them. Boston isn’t making much noise yet, but the wins are doing the talking.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

2026-27 Record: 8-2, 3rd in West

Team Stats: 112.2 PPG, 104.2 OPPG, +11.59 SRS

The Thunder have continued to demonstrate why they’re among the NBA’s most dangerous teams, even without leading the league in scoring. Oklahoma City is allowing just 104.2 points per game, tied for the lowest mark among the Western Conference’s top teams, and its +11.59 SRS highlights its overall dominance.

They are doing this without Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and even Chet Holmgren at the moment. The season might not end the way many Thunder fans wanted, considering their nasty injury list, but we cannot deny that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has kept them firing and motivated in a loaded Western Conference.

3. San Antonio Spurs

2026-27 Record: 9-2, 2nd in West

Team Stats: 118.7 PPG, 107.0 OPPG, +15.46 SRS

The Spurs dropped their first two games to contenders Thunder and Rockets, but they have bounced back with a vengeance. Make no mistake, the team that made the Finals last year is still elite on both ends. The stats prove that, and Victor Wembanyama’s impact does as well, as a major contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Spurs aren’t simply winning games; they’re making a statement that their early-season sputter won’t affect them. If the Spurs start firing on all cylinders, watch out, because they can look unstoppable at times.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

2026-27 Record: 9-2, 1st in East

Team Stats: 111.0 PPG, 107.9 OPPG, -4.19 SRS

Philadelphia looks like the team to beat, ladies and gentlemen, sitting at 9-2 and holding the Eastern Conference’s best record. The 76ers aren’t blowing teams away offensively, but their ability to limit opponents to just 107.9 points per game has been the foundation of their success. Not to mention, they are the most clutch team in the NBA.

They have found a winning formula around their superstars, and it has worked. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown are the two best players, but having LeBron James and Joel Embiid around them looks downright scary. For those who are worried that LeBron has stacked the most talented superteam in the league once again, you are correct, because there hasn’t been a more impressive team in the East so far.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

2026-27 Record: 10-2, 1st in West

Team Stats: 122.1 PPG, 114.4 OPPG, +10.48 SRS

The Lakers, mainly thanks to Luka Doncic, are officially the team to beat after a blistering 10-2 start that has put them atop the Western Conference. Averaging an incredible 122.1 points per game, Los Angeles has been an offensive nightmare for opposing defenses, combining star power with enough supporting production to keep the wins coming.

Their 10.48 SRS reinforces that this is more than a hot streak against weak competition. The Lakers have established themselves as legitimate championship contenders, and the rest of the league is already looking up at them.

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com