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NBA power rankings: All 30 teams ranked entering Week 3
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- NBA power rankings: All 30 teams ranked entering Week 3
The 2026-27 NBA season has been nothing short of wild. The Philadelphia 76ers' formidable lineup has displayed its dominance through the first eight games, while teams like the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies have shocked teams league-wide.
It hasn't all been sunshine, though. The Utah Jazz and Miami Heat are off to appalling starts, shattering the optimism they built through preseason hype. With two weeks of basketball in the books, teams are beginning to reveal their true identities. Here's a look at the Power Rankings heading into Week 3.
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Ranks 30-24
Oct 12, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson (22) during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
30. Utah Jazz 1-6
Utah has arguably been the league's biggest disappointment to start the season. This was supposed to be the year the Jazz turned things around, but through seven games, they look further away than ever. The loss of starting center Jusuf Nurkic hasn't helped, but his absence shouldn't be as detrimental as it has been. Utah still hasn't established a true identity, and Darryn Peterson is still trying to figure out his role.
29. Sacramento Kings 1-6
The Kings have looked awful through the first seven games. Rookie Darius Acuff has led the team in scoring, but his inefficient shot selection and tendency to force the issue have raised concerns. Zach LaVine has chipped in offensively, but Sacramento lacks the talent to compete consistently. Rumors surrounding Domantas Sabonis' unhappiness with Acuff's shot selection haven't helped the team's chemistry either.
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28. LA Clippers 1-6
The Clippers are right where many expected them to be, and they could remain near the bottom of the rankings for a while. Keaton Wagler has shown promise, giving the team something to look forward to as he continues developing. Darius Garland has also played well, but he isn't a true first option. The Clippers don't have much to work with right now, and their best hope is getting the most out of their young talent.
27. Brooklyn Nets 1-6
Brooklyn's 1-6 start isn't particularly surprising. Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle have put up the numbers expected of them, but the team's overall lack of experience has been evident. The Nets are simply too young to compete with most of the league right now. While Porter and Randle provide veteran production, they aren't necessarily the two players you want leading a rebuilding team. This season is going to be a learning experience for Brooklyn.
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26. Milwaukee Bucks 1-6
Milwaukee has gotten off to the kind of start many expected following its roster overhaul. Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr., two of the acquisitions from the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, have led the way offensively. However, the Bucks still have plenty of work to do before becoming competitive again. More than anything, this is a developmental season for Milwaukee's young players to grow and establish themselves.
25. Chicago Bulls 1-6
Chicago's 1-6 record doesn't tell the entire story. The Bulls haven't been particularly impressive, but Caleb Wilson has emerged as an early Rookie of the Year candidate. Their lone win came against Milwaukee, a team sitting near the bottom of the rankings, but Chicago has faced a difficult stretch of competition outside of that matchup. The Bulls still have plenty of questions to answer, but Wilson has given fans something to be excited about.
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24. Phoenix Suns 1-4
Phoenix has been off to a disappointing start. Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks have performed around expectations, while Miles Bridges has emerged as a surprising contributor. However, Jalen Green's lack of development has been one of the biggest concerns.
Ranks 23-16
Oct 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
23. Indiana Pacers 2-6
Indiana's season has taken another difficult turn with Tyrese Haliburton suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The Pacers were already struggling to find their footing, and losing their star guard makes things even more difficult. Until Haliburton returns, it's hard to see Indiana winning many games.
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22. Charlotte Hornets 3-5
With LaMelo Ball gone, Brandon Miller has become the centerpiece of Charlotte's future. Naz Reid has also shown promise, giving the Hornets another young player to build around. However, this roster still has plenty of questions, and there isn't much reason to believe Charlotte will make significant noise this season.
21. Orlando Magic 2-5
Orlando has been playing well below its talent level. Paolo Banchero has looked good, but the rest of the team hasn't done enough to help turn things around. The Magic have the pieces to be much better than their current record suggests, making this start particularly frustrating. I expect Orlando to climb the rankings over the next couple of weeks, but they'll never be a serious contender.
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20. Miami Heat 2-5
Disappointment is an understatement when describing Miami's start. The Heat dropped their first four games, managed to win two straight and have now returned to their losing ways. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo need more help surrounding them if Miami wants to compete. The lack of a true prominent guard needs to be addressed immediately.
19. New Orleans Pelicans 3-4
Zion Williamson has led the way for New Orleans, while Dejounte Murray has helped facilitate the offense. The Pelicans' bench has also looked promising, giving the team another reason for optimism as the season progresses. Rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears have been two of the most promising young players in the league early on. With their young talent continuing to develop, New Orleans could become a much more dangerous team in the coming weeks.
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18. Atlanta Hawks 4-4
Atlanta has established itself as one of the better defensive teams in the league. The Hawks are still a relatively young group, and building chemistry will take time. Their 4-4 record reflects a team that hasn't quite figured everything out yet, but there is plenty of potential. As the season progresses and the roster becomes more comfortable playing together, expect Atlanta to climb these rankings.
17. Denver Nuggets 3-3
The Nuggets have been one of the more disappointing teams to start the season. Nikola Jokic has looked like his usual self, but outside of his production, there haven't been many positives. Denver has also faced a difficult opening schedule, making it tough to determine exactly where this team stands. The Nuggets still have plenty of time to figure things out, but they haven't looked like the contender many expected.
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16. Toronto Raptors 4-3
Toronto has established itself as one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but there is still plenty of chemistry to build. The Raptors have the potential to be a difficult matchup for anyone, but they haven't quite put everything together offensively. Kawhi Leonard's ongoing knee problems have also complicated matters, with the star forward expected to miss several weeks. His absence could derail some of the team's early momentum.
Ranks 15-11
Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
15. Dallas Mavericks 4-3
Dallas has gotten off to a head-turning start. Cooper Flagg has taken a significant leap, while Kyrie Irving's return has provided everything the Mavericks expected and more. The team looks increasingly comfortable, and there is reason to believe it will only get better as the season progresses. A thrilling victory over Houston also showed that Dallas can compete with some of the league's best. The Mavericks are quickly becoming a team worth watching.
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14. New York Knicks 3-4
A 3-4 record doesn't tell the full story for the defending champions. New York has faced a difficult opening schedule, making its slow start a little easier to understand. The Knicks struggled early last season as well, and we all know how that turned out. There is no reason to panic just yet. This roster has the talent and experience to turn things around, and it wouldn't be surprising to see New York climb these rankings soon.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers 4-3
Cleveland has been the contender it was expected to be, but the Cavaliers haven't quite lived up to their preseason expectations. James Harden's age is beginning to become a factor, while the lack of additional help for Donovan Mitchell has been noticeable. The Cavaliers still have enough talent to compete in the East, but they need more consistency from the supporting cast.
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12. Washington Wizards 4-3
Washington's strong start has matched the high expectations surrounding the team heading into the season. However, its 4-3 record doesn't tell the entire story. Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa have all looked impressive as they continue building chemistry. The Wizards have plenty of talent, but figuring out how to maximize it will be the biggest challenge.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves 5-3
Minnesota looked nearly unstoppable before Anthony Edwards went down with an injury. The Timberwolves had just one loss before his absence, with Edwards playing some of the best basketball of his career. His production was a major reason for the team's early success, and replacing that won't be easy. With LaMelo Ball now needing to step up, Minnesota's next stretch will be a major test.
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Top 10
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
10. Golden State Warriors 5-3
Stephen Curry continues to prove that age is just a number. Even toward the end of his career, he remains one of the craftiest scorers in the league and continues to make things happen offensively. However, Golden State's success hasn't come from Curry alone. Unexpected contributions from Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg have helped push the Warriors higher than many expected.
9. Boston Celtics 5-2
Boston has found itself in a much better position than many expected heading into the season. Paul George's acquisition has looked like a move that could resuscitate his career, while Mitchell Robinson's presence has already been felt. Jayson Tatum has also looked like the superstar he is, giving the Celtics a strong foundation to build around. With several players stepping up, Boston has looked much more competitive than its preseason outlook suggested.
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8. Los Angeles Lakers 6-2
Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler have been bright spots for Los Angeles, with Doncic already making an early case for MVP consideration. However, the Lakers haven't been without their struggles. Their bench has looked abysmal despite entering the season with high expectations, while Austin Reaves has struggled to find his rhythm. The Lakers have the star power to compete with anyone, but their supporting cast needs to become more consistent.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder 5-2
Oklahoma City has found itself in a difficult position after a string of injuries to key players. Jalen Williams is likely out for the season, while Chet Holmgren is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks. Both injuries are significant blows to the Thunder's championship hopes. Cason Wallace, another important depth piece, has also been sidelined. Still, there is no reason to panic just yet. The reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains in place, and Oklahoma City has the depth to remain competitive while its stars recover.
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6. San Antonio Spurs 5-2
San Antonio has completely turned things around after a disappointing 0-2 start. The Spurs have rattled off five consecutive wins, quickly putting early concerns behind them. Victor Wembanyama has been at the center of that turnaround and has emerged as an early MVP favorite. The team's immense young talent has continued to improve, making San Antonio one of the more exciting teams in the league.
Top 5
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer (27) looks on during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
5. Memphis Grizzlies 6-1
Breakouts from rookie Cameron Boozer and Ty Jerome have helped the Memphis Grizzlies surge into unfamiliar territory seven games into the season. Memphis has been one of the biggest surprises in the league, putting together a start few expected. The Grizzlies dropped their first game last night to New Orleans in an overtime thriller. Surely Memphis' run will slow down at some point, but only time will tell.
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4. Portland Trail Blazers 5-1
Deni Avdija and Portland have been off to a blazing start. Entering the season with plenty of questions surrounding their roster, the Trail Blazers have quickly established an identity. After six games, it's evident that Avdija is the primary scorer, with Damian Lillard playing his Robin. Contributions from Ja Morant and Donovan Clingan have also fueled the team's rise. Portland has been one of the league's biggest surprises, and its early success is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
3. Houston Rockets 7-1
Houston's early success has caught the league by surprise. The Rockets have taken a major leap thanks to standout offseason growth from their young players and VanVleet's expected contributions. Houston's lone loss was a back-and-forth shootout against Dallas that came down to the wire. Through eight games, the Rockets have looked like one of the most complete teams in the league and are quickly establishing themselves as a legitimate threat.
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2. Philadelphia 76ers 7-1
Jaylen Brown and LeBron James have instantly made their presence felt, propelling Philadelphia to the top of the power rankings. The 76ers have looked like the team to beat in the East, with their formidable lineup overwhelming opponents through the first eight games. Their lone loss came against Detroit, but one defeat doesn't take away from what has been an impressive start. Philadelphia has all the pieces to make a serious run this season.
1. Detroit Pistons 6-1
Detroit leads the way heading into Week 3. Cade Cunningham has established himself as the Pistons' leader, exhibiting his superstar potential. Surprising starts from Paul Reed and Duncan Robinson have also been pivotal to their success. With a head-to-head win against Philadelphia, Detroit has solidified its position atop the league.
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