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The 2025-26 NBA season is only a week old, but there's already been some crazy stuff on and off the court. Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have already submitted their names for MVP, while Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups have been arrested for alleged ties to the game.
The defending OKC Thunder are showing why they were the best team in the NBA, while the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors looked good in the West. The Cleveland Cavaliers had a rough start to the season, with the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls making noise in the East.
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We take a look at the first NBA power rankings of the season, featuring 10 of the top teams after Week 1.
NBA Power Rankings 2025-26 Season: Top 10 Teams After Week 1
#10 Milwaukee Bucks (2-1)
Offensive rating: 117.7
Defensive rating: 113.2
Net rating: 4.5
The Milwaukee Bucks entered the new NBA season filled with uncertainty over Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the franchise. Antetokounmpo has looked terrific in the Bucks' first three games, resulting in two wins.
Milwaukee will be tested next week, facing the likes of the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors. They still lack a true playmaker, but there is a chance for consistency in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
#9. New York Knicks (2-1)
Offensive rating: 110.9
Defensive rating: 107.6
Net rating: 3.4
The New York Knicks they looked like contenders in their first two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. However, the Knicks dropped a big loss to the Miami Heat in their next contest.
There will be growing pains under new coach Mike Brown, but surprisingly, his defense is one of the best in the NBA after one week. Brown has developed a reputation as an offensive mind during his time with the Sacramento Kings, but he appears to be returning to his defensive roots.
#8. Miami Heat (2-1)
Offensive rating: 117.6
Defensive rating: 106.5
Net rating: 11.1
Things looked bleak for the Miami Heat at the start of the season, with Tyler Herro ruled out for eight to 12 weeks with an injury. They went winless in the preseason and looked bad in their season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic.
Coach Erik Spoelstra quickly assembled his roster amid the Terry Rozier issue, turning in two solid performances in wins over the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks. They can test their mettle this week against the San Antonio Spurs.
#7. Denver Nuggets (2-1)
Offensive rating: 125.8
Defensive rating: 116.5
Net rating: 9.3
Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic might have looked out of shape in his first three games of the season, but he's still putting down triple-doubles. With a balance of 2-1, the Denver NuggetsSuccess rests on the back of 'The Joker' who is working his way into game form.
Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are doing their part, while the Nuggets' depth hasn't shown what they're capable of. Expect Denver to move up in the standings if they can improve defensively.
#6. Chicago Bulls (3-0)
Offensive rating: 113.1
Defensive rating: 106.4
Net rating: 6.7
For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Chicago Bulls they are 3-0 to start their NBA campaign. The Bulls are fine without Coby White, who has been ruled out for the first two weeks of the season with a hamstring injury.
Nikola Vucevic has been playing like an All-Star, while Josh Giddey is already justifying his new contract with impressive performances. The Bulls' wins were no fluke against the Eastern teams Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks.
#5. Philadelphia 76ers (3-0)
Offensive rating: 126.3
Defensive rating: 120.6
Net rating: 5.7
The Philadelphia 76ers they've struck gold in No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe, who looked like the early favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year after just three games. Edgecombe has a strikingly similar game to Dwyane Wade, which should excite Sixers fans.
With close wins over the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets in their first two games, the Sixers looked ready to move on from Joel Embiid and Paul George. Edgecombe and Maxey should be the franchise's new dynamic duo.
#4. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-1)
Offensive rating: 114.8
Defensive rating: 108.7
Net rating: 6.0
After an abysmal effort in the season opener against the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers they've won three straight to end Week 1. The Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons with ease.
The scary thing is that the Cavs aren't completely healthy, with Darius Garland and De'Andre Hunter recovering from their respective injuries. Evan Mobley looks poised to make the next leap to stardom, while Donovan Mitchell remains at the center of the team's offense.
#3. Golden State Warriors. (3-1)
Offensive rating: 121.1
Defensive rating: 118.9
Net rating: 2.2
There were many questions about it Golden State Warriors' the aging core before the start of the NBA season. The Warriors quickly swept away wins over the LA Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. Their defense needs work, but their offense is already one of the best in the league.
Steph Curry shows no signs of slowing down, Jimmy Butler is doing Jimmy Butler things, and Jonathan Kuminga finally found his role. They still lack size despite adding Al Horford, so it will be interesting to see how they fare against teams with a big lineup.
#2. OKC Thunder (4-0)
Offensive rating: 113.2
Defensive Rating: 106.0
Net rating: 7.3
NBA defenders OKC Thunder he hasn't had the easiest start to the season. The Thunder needed two overtimes to beat the Houston Rockets and another five extra minutes to dispatch the Indiana Pacers.
They also easily beat the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks, although the Mavs almost pulled off a comeback. The good news for the Thunder is that they are doing all this winning without Jalen Williams, who is dealing with a wrist injury.
#1. San Antonio Spurs (4-0)
Offensive rating: 121.5
Defensive rating: 104.9
Net rating: 16.6
Victor Wembanyama has officially arrived for the San Antonio Spursleading his team to a perfect 4-0 record to start the NBA season. With three of four wins by double digits, the Spurs offense and defense are clicking even without De'Aaron Fox due to injury.
Wembanyama is a difference maker on both sides of the ball, with the team clicking early. They could make more noise this season, especially with an improved Stephen Castle and Dylan Harper who didn't look lost in his role off the bench. They also have a roster with veterans to lean on when things get tougher as the season progresses.
Edited by Juan Paolo David
