If we are able to make one conclusion from the primary week of the 2025-26 NBA season, it is that we should always anticipate loads of shut matchups within the Western Convention and for offenses to reign supreme. There are many storylines to tug from the primary week of video games, however so far as the NBA energy rankings go, the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks made essentially the most noise.
Many had been questioning what the Spurs would seem like with Mitch Johnson getting into his first full yr as the top coach of the Spurs, regardless of technically being their coach all of final season on an interim foundation, and all eyes had been on Victor Wembanyama’s well being.
After spending time specializing in his thoughts and physique, notably visiting and staying on the Shaolin Temple in China, Wemby seems to be a very totally different expertise, one that’s definitely on the forefront of early MVP chatter.
The Spurs are certainly one of 12 groups averaging greater than 120.0 factors per recreation after Opening Week within the NBA, and groups as an entire are averaging about 118.5 factors per recreation.
By means of one week, groups are averaging about 118.5 factors per recreation, and 12 groups are averaging greater than 120.0 factors per recreation. It’s clear that with the intention to be among the many better of one of the best, particularly when it comes time to dissect the NBA energy rankings, you have to to search out your self as probably the greatest offensive groups within the league.
As expertise throughout the NBA continues to develop, with nearly each staff having no less than one All-Star-like participant, it’s now not as straightforward for some groups to depend on what labored for them in years previous. The Dallas Mavericks are studying this the onerous means, as they opened up the season with a 33-point dwelling loss to Wembanyama’s Spurs and have stumbled out of the gates.
Though there continues to be a number of hype surrounding first-overall decide Cooper Flagg, the Mavs’ size and concentrate on defensive ideas haven’t mattered to this point. Whereas it’s means too early to write down off any staff, it is clear that Dallas’ struggles are extra of a storyline than a headline.
The 2025-26 NBA season is underway, and we’re already seeing a serious shakeup inside the highest 10 of the NBA energy rankings, with the Spurs and two different notable contenders from the West trending up after one week of play.
Earlier 2025-26 NBA Energy Rankings: Week 0 (Preseason) | Offseason
1. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (-)
2025-26 File: 3-0 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. HOU (W1/2OT), at IND (W6/2OT), at ATL (W17)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at DAL (10/27), vs. SAC (10/28), vs. WAS (10/30), vs. NOP (11/2)
The defending champions have picked up proper the place they left off, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren have led the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder to a 3-0 begin with two double-overtime victories to start the yr over the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers.
Shai was unbelievable within the first week of the season, scoring a career-high 55 factors towards the Pacers on Thursday, however OKC’s depth has taken a giant step ahead.
Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Ajay Mitchell have been important to the Thunder’s 3-0 begin, particularly with Jalen Williams persevering with to get better from offseason wrist surgical procedure. These three have helped create a powerful steadiness between the primary and second items, and Mitchell has been extraordinarily spectacular, scoring no less than 14 factors in each recreation off the bench.
Though the Thunder want Williams wholesome and on the ground to compete for an additional championship, it might be a blessing in disguise that he’s out to start the yr, because it opens the door for others to develop as younger, rising abilities. Wiggins, Wallace, and Mitchell have finished simply that.
2. New York Knicks (+1)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. CLE (W8), vs. BOS (W10), at MIA (L8)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at MIL (10/28), at CHI (10/31), vs. CHI (11/2)
Though they aren’t one of many 4 remaining undefeated groups within the league, the New York Knicks opened up the brand new season by making a championship assertion with their consideration to element on protection and better-paced offense in comparison with final season. All the pieces simply seems smoother for the Knicks underneath Mike Brown, and New York has not been afraid to assault groups from the perimeter.
By means of three video games, the Knicks lead the league in 3-point makes an attempt per recreation (46.3), and so they proceed to punish their opponents on the glass. Even after dropping to the Miami Warmth on Sunday, which is at all times a wonky day within the NBA with questionable outcomes, it is clear to see that the Knicks are one of the best staff within the Japanese Convention proper now.
3. San Antonio Spurs (+10)
2025-26 File: 3-0 | Final Week’s Schedule: at DAL (W33), at NOP (W4/OT), vs. BKN (W11)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. TOR (10/27), vs. MIA (10/30), at PHX (11/2)
The place will we begin with the Spurs? Effectively, we’d as effectively begin with the 7’4″ large within the room… assuming he isn’t taller.
Wembanyama has been sensational, and what he did on nationwide TV towards the Mavs of their first recreation of the yr put the complete league on discover. Other than his stats standing out — 40 factors, 15 rebounds, and three blocks — it was each little factor that Wembanyama did that has propelled the Spurs to a 3-0 begin.
An instance is getting an enormous block towards Dereck Full of life II on one finish, dribbling the ball up the ground, doing his finest Kyrie Irving impersonation with crossovers and going behind the again, after which burying a stepback three in Full of life’s face whereas being fouled. We’re speaking in regards to the tallest participant within the NBA doing this, and he’s solely 21 years previous.
Completely ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/9dv2IudUan https://t.co/XYQNjGWJgi
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) October 23, 2025
Exterior of Wemby’s dominance, which is main many to throw him on the entrance of the MVP race after one week, San Antonio’s general depth is horrifying for the remainder of the league. Stephon Fort and Dylan Harper look extraordinarily snug of their roles as main playmakers, and Devin Vassell has began the yr capturing almost 50 p.c from the perimeter.
Possibly this staff merely acquired off to a quick begin, and they’ll come again down from their early-season excessive, however this was an announcement week for the Spurs. Johnson and his employees couldn’t have requested for a greater begin, and the scary factor for the NBA is that this group will solely get higher because the season progresses. That’s the reason the Spurs are the most important risers within the NBA energy rankings.
4. Denver Nuggets (-2)
2025-26 File: 1-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at GSW (L6/OT), vs. PHX (W22)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at MIN (10/27), vs. NOP (10/29), at POR (10/31)
Whereas his scoring and capturing numbers will not be what they normally are after two video games, Nikola Jokic, a.okay.a. Mr. Triple-Double, recorded back-to-back triple-doubles to start the yr. If it weren’t for Stephen Curry being Stephen Curry, the Denver Nuggets can be 2-0.
Regardless of dropping their first recreation on the street towards the Golden State Warriors, the Nuggets responded in an enormous means of their dwelling opener with a 22-point win over the Phoenix Suns. Denver has discovered a ton of offensive success early this season regardless of Jokic averaging 17.5 factors per recreation and capturing 41.9 p.c from the ground.
The Nuggets are the top-scoring staff within the NBA after one week, and they’re extraordinarily environment friendly concerning their shot choice. Whereas they could have fallen behind the Spurs within the NBA energy rankings, that is nonetheless the staff with one of the best likelihood of dethroning the Thunder within the West.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (+2)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at NYK (L8), at BKN (W7), vs. MIL (W5)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at DET (10/27), at BOS (10/29), vs. TOR (10/31), vs. ATL (11/2)
It has been onerous to guage the Cleveland Cavaliers by way of three video games since Donovan Mitchell has been their solely supply of speedy manufacturing. The All-NBA guard has put the Cavs on his again, and so they have wanted him to with out Darius Garland and Max Strus.
The one motive Cleveland moved up within the NBA energy rankings is due to the misfortunes of different groups. Regardless of their offense clicking from 3-point vary, the Cavaliers have seemed slower and never like the identical sturdy drive they had been a season in the past.
Possibly Garland’s potential return in early November will give them the increase wanted, however the Cavs have seemed very susceptible on protection, particularly on the wing.
6. Houston Rockets (-2)
2025-26 File: 0-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: at OKC (L1/2OT), vs. DET (L4)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. BKN (10/27), at TOR (10/29), at BOS (11/1)
Many could also be shocked to see the Houston Rockets nonetheless within the prime 10 of the NBA energy rankings after a 0-2 begin to the season, however the truth of the matter is that this staff proved they’re among the many finest within the league in these losses.
Kevin Durant and the Rockets took the Thunder to double time beyond regulation on Opening Evening in Oklahoma Metropolis, and so they misplaced by one level. This staff then performed a really bodily recreation towards the Detroit Pistons, one by which Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson had been in foul bother and in the end misplaced by 4 factors.
We knew there was an opportunity for a slight studying curve that might possible contribute to a sluggish begin due to Fred VanVleet’s harm, and that’s what has occurred for the Rockets. The excellent news for Houston is that they’ll simply get issues again getting into the second week of the season towards three groups with one mixed win.
7. Golden State Warriors (+5)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at LAL (W10), vs. DEN (W6/OT), at POR (L20)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. MEM (10/27), vs. LAC (10/28), at MIL (10/30), at IND (11/1)
What a loopy 4 months it has been for Jonathan Kuminga. In June, it appeared like his time with the Warriors was coming to an finish, and lots of Golden State followers needed him gone. 4 months later, Kuminga has been important to the Dubs’ quick begin to the 2025-26 season and has change into arguably their most essential participant.
Exterior of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors want that third key expertise to really be championship contenders. Kuminga has confirmed to be that third identify, and he’s doing every little thing many scrutinized him for not doing over his first 4 years with the Warriors.
Together with attending to the rim and scoring, Kuminga is being affected person, he is been a prepared passer, and he has stepped up in all three video games as a main defensive choice for Steve Kerr on the wing.
Don’t let a 20-point blowout loss to the Portland Path Blazers on the second night time of a back-to-back idiot you, as a result of Kuminga and the Warriors are very a lot locked in to being one of many higher groups within the West this season with their depth and high-IQ play.
8. Los Angeles Lakers (+6)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. GSW (L10), vs. MIN (W18), at SAC (W7)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. POR (10/27), at MIN (10/29), at MEM (10/31), vs. MIA (11/2)
Nothing may go proper for the Los Angeles Lakers of their first recreation of the season towards the Warriors aside from Luka Doncic recording 43 factors, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. With out LeBron James, main considerations had been being raised in Los Angeles. So, Luka responded by registering 49-11-8 in an 18-point thrashing of Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However extra harm considerations appeared, because it was revealed that Doncic is coping with a finger sprain and leg contusion that may sideline him for every week. With out James and Doncic, Austin Reaves took over for Los Angeles on Sunday, scoring a career-high 51 factors to propel his staff to a win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers are 2-1, and so they have jumped six spots within the NBA energy rankings, with different groups falling and struggling out of the gates. Nevertheless, don’t let this 2-1 begin idiot you, because the Lakers will now play their subsequent three or 4 video games with out James and Doncic. That’s not a recipe for fulfillment.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (-4)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at UTA (L21), vs. PHX (W27), vs. POR (W7)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at GSW (10/28), vs. NOP (10/31)
No one anticipated the Los Angeles Clippers to get blown out by 21 factors of their first recreation of the yr towards the Utah Jazz, however that goes to point out how intense each Western Convention recreation shall be. That loss resulted within the Clippers sliding down a number of spots within the NBA energy rankings this week, however they did rebound in a giant means with a 129-102 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Protection continues to be the Clippers’ id. After surrendering 129 factors on the street towards the Jazz, LA held Phoenix and Portland to 102 and 107 factors, respectively, with the groups capturing a mixed 39 p.c from the ground.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves (-2)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at POR (W4), at LAL (L18), vs. IND (W4)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. DEN (10/27), vs. LAL (10/29), at CHA (11/1)
The Timberwolves are the identical staff they had been final season, which is not essentially a foul factor since they made their second straight Western Convention Finals look. Nevertheless, the Wolves being the identical staff has resulted in others catching as much as them.
Early indications level within the route of Minnesota taking a slight step again through the common season, identical to how they barely prevented the play-in match because the six seed through the 2024-25 season. However all that issues is how this group performs in Could and June.
This staff remains to be one no one will need to see in a seven-game collection. Then once more, the Timberwolves nonetheless have offensive issues and might want to uncover a brand new id on their bench exterior of Naz Reid if they’re to be something particular. Having Edwards put the staff on his again can solely take the Wolves to this point.
11. Milwaukee Bucks (+5)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. WAS (W13), at TOR (W6), at CLE (L5)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. NYK (10/28), vs. GSW (10/30), vs. SAC (11/1)
Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s who the Milwaukee Bucks are. Even after loads of rumors about his future all through the offseason, Giannis remains to be a real skilled, and he’s off to one of the best begin of his profession this season.
After three video games, the two-time MVP is making a powerful case for a 3rd by averaging 36.0 factors, 16.0 rebounds, and seven.0 assists per recreation. Giannis is doing his factor, and the Bucks are capturing 38.5 p.c from 3-point vary as a staff.
How sustainable is that this model of basketball? No one actually is aware of, however hey, it is enjoyable to observe! The Bucks will play their first high-profile video games of the season this week towards the Knicks and Warriors.
12. Chicago Bulls (+10)
2025-26 File: 2-0 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. DET (W4), at ORL (W12)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. ATL (10/27), vs. SAC (10/29), vs. NYK (10/31), at NYK (11/2)
The place did the Chicago Bulls come from? Again-to-back wins over the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, two projected playoff groups within the East, are an announcement for Billy Donovan and his squad getting into the brand new yr.
The Bulls are younger and athletic, and so they possess a number of size. All of this has been helpful to them to this point, because the Bulls’ protection has seemed like the actual deal. Was this a legit begin for Chicago, or was it simply adrenaline in the beginning of the season?
That shall be answered this week, with two video games towards the Knicks and one towards the Atlanta Hawks. General, this staff seems prefer it has the athleticism and quickness to be robust on groups defensively, an space this staff has grown underneath Donovan when at full power through the years.
13. Detroit Pistons (-2)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at CHI (L4), at HOU (W4), vs. BOS (W6)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. CLE (10/27), vs. ORL (10/29), vs. DAL (11/1)*
*Sport performed in Mexico Metropolis
Since they misplaced to the Bulls, it’s only truthful that the Pistons are beneath them within the NBA energy rankings. Even so, the Pistons have seemed like a top-10 staff, and in the event that they did not let their first recreation towards Chicago get away from them, Detroit can be 3-0.
The Pistons are an elite rebounding staff, and their skill to unfold the ball round on offense to 6, seven, or typically even eight totally different gamers has made them extraordinarily unpredictable for opposing defenses. There’s a lot to love about what JB Bickerstaff is doing with Cade Cunningham and his staff.
14. Miami Warmth (+6)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: at ORL (L4), at MEM (W32), vs. NYK (W8)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. CHA (10/28), at SAS (10/30), at LAL (11/2)
One of many early surprises to start the 2025-26 NBA season has been the Miami Warmth. Erik Spoelstra deserves a number of credit score for what he is finished with this group to this point, because the Warmth seem like a very totally different staff than they did a season in the past on offense, and they’re with out Tyler Herro proper now!
Norman Powell is as soon as once more making an All-Star assertion, as he is been the catalyst for the Warmth’s offense subsequent to Bam Adebayo. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if Miami can proceed discovering success on offense with out true, constant play from the purpose guard place.
2025-26 File: 2-0 | Final Week’s Schedule: at BOS (W1), vs. CHA (W4)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. ORL (10/27), at WAS (10/28), vs. BOS (10/31), at BKN (11/2)
Do not blink now, however the Philadelphia 76ers are 2-0 and on the prime of the Japanese Convention. Damage considerations proceed to cloud the Sixers’ future and Joel Embiid, however Philadelphia has been taking part in some nice basketball.
Extra particularly, Tyrese Maxey and rookie guard VJ Edgecombe are carrying the staff. Maxey scored 68 factors by way of the staff’s first two video games, together with a 40-point recreation to enter the yr towards the Celtics, and Edgecombe dropped 34 factors on this recreation as effectively.
Edgecombe scored the third-most factors in an NBA rookie debut towards Boston, setting the stage for what may very well be a historic yr for the 76ers’ newcomer. Though the 76ers are 2-0, their two wins got here by a mixed 5 factors and had been gained in clutch time.
16. Atlanta Hawks (-6)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. TOR (L20), at ORL (W4), vs. OKC (L17)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at CHI (10/27), at BKN (10/29), at IND (10/31), at CLE (11/2)
There was a number of hype getting into the yr for Trae Younger and the newly revamped Atlanta Hawks. Effectively, to this point this season, the Hawks have seemed misplaced at occasions defensively and easily outplayed from the opening tip in all three video games. It’s a miracle that Atlanta is just not 0-3, as they someway walked away from Orlando with a four-point win.
Atlanta has been outscored by 33 factors by way of three video games. Then once more, they’ve been coping with some accidents, and the Hawks are nonetheless determining maximize Kristaps Porzingis of their rotations.
17. Orlando Magic (-11)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. MIA (W4), vs. ATL (L4), vs. CHI (L12)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at PHI (10/27), at DET (10/29), at CHA (10/30), at WAS (11/1)
Just like the Hawks, the Orlando Magic have been one other disappointment to start the 2025-26 season.
Finally, the Magic are only a casualty of how the NBA energy rankings function, however do not let falling 11 spots idiot you, as a result of it mainly comes with an asterisk. Orlando may simply leap again into the highest 10 after this week if it will probably go 2-2 or higher. After barely dropping to the Hawks and nonetheless determining their rotation changes with Desmond Bane within the fold, the Magic shall be superb.
There’s nonetheless a number of causes to imagine this group is a top-four staff within the East this season.
18. Memphis Grizzlies (+3)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. NOP (W6), vs. MIA (L32), vs. IND (W25)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at GSW (10/27), at PHX (10/29), vs. LAL (10/31), at TOR (11/2)
After barely beating the New Orleans Pelicans of their season opener, the Memphis Grizzlies acquired annihilated by the Warmth. Memphis then flipped the change on Sunday, beating up on an Indiana Pacers staff that’s mainly with out half of their roster due to accidents.
It’s nonetheless too early to outline who the Grizzlies are as a staff exterior of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. This group has loads of accidents of its personal, and so they mainly performed like a staff that’s simply attempting to purchase a while to get to full power.
One factor to notice in regards to the Grizzlies is how effectively they draft. Cedric Coward has been a unbelievable substitute for Desmond Bane to this point, and he simply seems like one of many 5 finest rookies so removed from the 2025 draft class.
19. Portland Path Blazers (-)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. MIN (L4), vs. GSW (W20), at LAC (L7)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at LAL (10/27), at UTA (10/29), vs. DEN (10/31)
Chauncey Billups has been positioned on indefinite depart, and he’ll possible miss the rest of the 2025-26 season because of the FBI investigation into unlawful playing and poker recreation actions. So far as basketball goes, the Portland Path Blazers made an announcement towards the Warriors on Friday of their first recreation with out Billups.
On this recreation, the Blazers displayed their pace and skill to attain in fast bursts and in transition. That’s the place Portland may be harmful this season, as Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe are typically at their finest when the sport is quick.
Jerami Grant has additionally had a really sturdy begin to the season, averaging 22.7 factors per recreation off the bench.
20. Boston Celtics (-5)
2025-26 File: 0-3 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. PHI (L1), at NYK (L10), at DET (L6)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at NOP (10/27), vs. CLE (10/29), at PHI (10/31), vs. HOU (11/1)
The Boston Celtics are in bother. We knew this group would take a serious step again with out Jayson Tatum, however it’s clear to see that with out him, the Celtics simply haven’t got the offensive firepower wanted to be a high-level staff.
Even so, the Celtics can nonetheless compete, and so they’ve finished that in all three video games this season. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if Joe Mazzulla modifications his philosophy round Jaylen Brown, using extra units and scoring alternatives contained in the 3-point line slightly than taking as many perimeter photographs as attainable.
Attending to the free-throw line and slowing the sport down is Boston’s solely likelihood of discovering success this yr.
21. Charlotte Hornets (+6)
2025-26 File: 2-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. BKN (W19), at PHI (L4), at WAS (W26)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at MIA (10/28), vs. ORL (10/30), vs. MIN (11/1), vs. UTA (11/2)
The Charlotte Hornets have undoubtedly taken a step up within the NBA energy rankings and have reached that tier of being within the combine for one thing, not solely as a result of the East is down this season, but additionally as a result of this younger group is dynamic on offense.
LaMelo Ball is again to taking part in at an All-Star stage, and the Hornets have the league’s top-scoring offense after simply three video games. Will this development proceed towards a number of the league’s higher defensive groups this week?
22. Toronto Raptors (+3)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: at ATL (W20), vs. MIL (L6), at DAL (L10)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at SAS (10/27), vs. HOU (10/29), at CLE (10/31), vs. MEM (11/2)
A press release win of their first recreation of the season on the street towards the Hawks had everybody elevating eyebrows for the Toronto Raptors. Whereas back-to-back losses have eased a number of the hype surrounding this staff, the Raptors have seemed very sturdy on offense with their new addition of Brandon Ingram.
Nearly as good as they’re at taking part in quick and operating in transition, this has negatively impacted Toronto’s skill to defend — an space by which they cast their id final season. If the Raptors sluggish issues down somewhat bit and provides extra effort on protection, they’ll simply change into a top-six staff within the East standings. Any proof of this may be present in that first recreation of the season in Atlanta.
23. New Orleans Pelicans (+1)
2025-26 File: 0-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: at MEM (L6), vs. SAS (L4/OT)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. BOS (10/27), at DEN (10/29), at LAC (10/31), at OKC (11/2)
The New Orleans Pelicans may simply be and must be 2-0 proper now. This staff is lots higher than we’re giving them credit score for, particularly with Zion Williamson wholesome and looking out like a sure-thing All-Star when he’s on the courtroom.
Sadly, whereas the Pelicans have gifted younger gamers, this staff has been abysmal from 3-point land. Until they’ll show to be threatening from the perimeter, New Orleans will doom itself in a crowded Western Convention.
24. Dallas Mavericks (-15)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. SAS (L33), vs. WAS (L10), vs. TOR (W10)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. OKC (10/27), vs. IND (10/29), vs. DET (11/1)*
*Sport performed in Mexico Metropolis
From the center of the pack to the underside of the standings, the Dallas Mavericks have fallen 15 spots within the NBA energy rankings, essentially the most out of any staff within the league. This isn’t as a result of a scarcity of expertise however due to their lack of depth and a focus to element.
There isn’t any motive why the Mavs cannot be a prime defensive staff within the league, but they acquired dismantled by the Spurs and Washington Wizards of their first two video games of the season. Whereas their offense acquired going towards Toronto, the Mavericks nonetheless surrendered 129 factors.
Till Dallas figures issues out defensively and may put collectively full performances, they’re nothing greater than pretenders within the West. The Luka Doncic commerce was horrible from the beginning, and it continues to look worse day by day, particularly with Anthony Davis clearly being out of form to start the season.
25. Indiana Pacers (-8)
2025-26 File: 0-3 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. OKC (L6/2OT), at MEM (L25), at MIN (L4)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at DAL (10/28), vs. ATL (10/31), vs. GSW (11/1)
Sadly for the Indiana Pacers, all of their key gamers are damage. Other than Tyrese Haliburton being out all yr and TJ McConnell coping with a hamstring harm in the beginning of the yr, Indiana noticed Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and Bennedict Mathurin depart video games early through the first week due to accidents.
Fortunately, all three abilities are coping with minor bumps and bruises and mustn’t miss prolonged intervals of time. That is particularly excellent news for Mathurin, who has averaged 31.0 factors and seven.0 rebounds per recreation to start the season.
Mathurin was a driving drive within the Pacers’ success towards the Thunder of their double-overtime loss, as he recorded 36 factors and 11 rebounds towards the defending champions.
26. Sacramento Kings (-3)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: at PHX (L4), vs. UTA (W1), vs. LAL (L7)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at OKC (10/28), at CHI (10/29), at MIL (11/1)
Other than barely beating the Jazz, the Sacramento Kings misplaced on Sunday night time to the Lakers… who had been with out LeBron and Luka. The Kings undoubtedly have gifted gamers and people with loads of expertise within the league, however the truth of the matter is that this staff wasn’t assembled to win.
Zach LaVine is that this staff’s solely high-level scoring choice, and there’s no clear offensive technique for Doug Christie’s group since Dennis Schroder cannot be a real level guard subsequent to steer ball handlers like LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
The beginning of the season was a giant loss for the Kings, and there’s no different technique to say it. Nothing will get simpler for Sacramento, as they now embark on a four-game street journey towards 4 groups with a mixed 8-2 report after the primary week.
27. Utah Jazz (+3)
2025-26 File: 1-1 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. LAC (W21), at SAC (L1)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. PHX (10/27), vs. POR (10/29), at PHX (10/31), at CHA (11/2)
Are the Jazz truly a semi-decent staff? Not solely did Will Hardy’s group dismantle the Clippers on Opening Evening, however in addition they nearly went on the street and gained towards the Kings in Sacramento.
Utah truly seems fairly sound on protection, and their skill to unfold the ball round on offense has made them unpredictable exterior of Lauri Markkanen. There’s motive to be optimistic in regards to the Jazz, however let’s pump the brakes on them not being a rebuilding staff.
The Jazz nonetheless have a number of work to do, and so they know this.
28. Washington Wizards (-)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: at MIL (L13), at DAL (W10), vs. CHA (L26)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: vs. PHI (10/28), at OKC (10/30), vs. ORL (11/1)
Kyshawn George has been a pleasing shock for the Washington Wizards to start the 2025-26 NBA season, as he had back-to-back 20-point video games to open the yr, together with a career-high 34 factors towards the Mavs on Friday.
Whereas they are going to be aggressive at occasions due to all their wing depth and athleticism, the Wizards have main holes to resolve on protection.
29. Phoenix Suns (-3)
2025-26 File: 1-2 | Final Week’s Schedule: vs. SAC (W4), at LAC (L27), at DEN (L22)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at UTA (10/27), vs. MEM (10/29), vs. UTA (10/31), vs. SAS (11/2)
Who’re the Phoenix Suns? Exterior of Devin Booker, the Suns haven’t got a transparent id proper now, and that’s obvious by the inconsistencies they face of their frontcourt.
Phoenix is just not a gifted defensive staff regardless of the rim protectors they’ve on the heart place, and with out Jalen Inexperienced as a transparent No. 2 scoring choice, the Suns lack shot creation round Booker. It’s onerous to take a look at what transpired for the Suns over the primary week and really feel assured about their skill to be something greater than a bottom-five staff within the NBA energy rankings all season.
30. Brooklyn Nets (-1)
2025-26 File: 0-3 | Final Week’s Schedule: at CHA (L19), vs. CLE (L7), at SAS (L11)
Upcoming Week’s Schedule: at HOU (10/27), vs. ATL (10/29), vs. PHI (11/2)
When the brand new yr started, the Brooklyn Nets weren’t the worst staff within the NBA energy rankings. Now, this title is held by them and can possible be theirs for all 82 video games.
The Nets had been aggressive with the Cavs and Spurs, and this younger group deserves credit score for the combat they’ve proven early this season. However the backside line is that they don’t have the expertise wanted to persistently be threats, which is why this Nets staff will fail to win 20 video games.
When will Brooklyn get their first win of the season? No one is aware of, however will probably be a devastating loss for whoever it comes towards.