The Houston Rockets have surged to the top of the latest NBA Power Rankings after a flawless 4-0 start to the 2026-27 season. The Rockets, who won 52 games last season despite injuries and a lack of a true point guard, have transformed their offense with the addition of Fred VanVleet and the return of Steven Adams. Kevin Durant is thriving in a reduced playmaking role, averaging 23.5 points on 54/47 shooting splits, while Alperen Sengun is orchestrating the offense as a high-post hub with 24.5 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists per game on 58% shooting. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are benefiting from improved spacing, and rookie Reed Sheppard adds further dynamism.
The Rockets' rise coincides with turmoil among Western Conference rivals: the Thunder lost Jalen Williams for the season and Cason Wallace to a torn labrum, the Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards until around Christmas, and the Spurs are still searching for offensive cohesion. Houston's early schedule included two wins over Atlanta and a dramatic victory over San Antonio where Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama's potential game-tying shot.
Elsewhere in the rankings, the Memphis Grizzlies jumped 11 spots to No. 12 after a 5-0 start fueled by Ty Jerome's scoring and rookie Cam Boozer's historic start. The Miami Heat tumbled 12 places to No. 23 with an 0-4 record and a stagnant half-court offense shooting just 30% from three-point range. The Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics round out the top five, while the defending champion New York Knicks sit 11th at 2-3 after an 0-3 start.
