NBA Power Rankings 2025-26 Season: Top 10 Teams After Week 2 ft. OKC Thunder and LA Lakers

The 2025-26 NBA season has only just kicked off, but it has already delivered plenty of storylines. The OKC Thunder are the only remaining undefeated team. Injuries have taken over the league, with Anthony Davis, Trae Young and Anthony Edwards all expected to miss time.

The LA Lakers, Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons enjoyed a stellar second week. The Milwaukee Bucks are rising, while the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers finally lost their first games of the campaign.

Let's look at the power rankings after the second week of the season, brought to you by Sportskeeda.

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NBA Power Rankings 2025-26 Season: Top 10 Teams After Week 2

#10. New York Knicks (4-3)

Previous Ranking: No. 9

Offensive Rating: 117.4

Defensive Rating: 114.7

Net Rating: 2.7

The New York Knicks are barely hanging on to a Top 10 spot, only managing to do so after giving the Chicago Bulls their first loss of the season. The Knicks are still making adjustments under coach Mike Brown, who differs significantly from Tom Thibodeau.

Josh Hart's role has diminished under Brown, while the team has been extra cautious on Mitchell Robinson's ankle. They have a relatively easy schedule for this week, so they could climb in the NBA power rankings if they can compile a winning streak.

#9. Denver Nuggets (4-2)

Previous Ranking: No. 7

Offensive Rating: 122.7

Defensive Rating: 111.8

Net Rating: 11.0

The Denver Nuggets have started relatively strongly, though they could have been higher on this list. The Nuggets' depth has already paid off, but it feels like they can shift into another gear and dominate the NBA.

Nikola Jokic is dropping triple-doubles left and right while still trying to get into shape, so it's a scary thought for the league. Jamal Murray is playing like an All-Star, and the only reason they're not higher on this list is that they only have four wins.

#8. Detroit Pistons (5-2)

Previous Ranking: NR

Offensive Rating: 114.8

Defensive Rating: 111.4

Net Rating: 3.4

The Detroit Pistons are making their debut in the 2025-26 NBA power rankings after racking up three straight wins to end the second week of the season. The Pistons looked lost in the first week before putting together wins over the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies.

If they can extend the winning streak, there's a good chance that they will climb the rankings. They still need a legitimate second option on offense behind Cade Cunningham, especially with Jaden Ivey still out with an injury and recovering.

#7. Chicago Bulls (5-1)

Previous Ranking: No. 6

Offensive Rating: 120.0

Defensive Rating: 114.8

Net Rating: 5.3

One of the most surprising teams of the season, the Chicago Bulls, finally lost their first game of the campaign at the end of Week 2. They secured an impressive win over the New York Knicks in an NBA group stage game, but they also suffered a loss in the following game against the same Knicks team.

It's surprising to see the Bulls among the best teams in the NBA, and it's too early to buy into the hype. However, if they can pass the third week with flying colors, they could climb this list.

#6. Philadelphia 76ers (5-1)

Previous Ranking: No. 5

Offensive Rating: 123.2

Defensive Rating: 115.8

Net Rating: 7.4

Just like the Chicago Bulls, the Philadelphia 76ers are off to a flying start thanks in large part to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Joel Embiid is under a minutes restriction, with Adem Bona and Andre Drummond picking up the slack. Paul George and Jared McCain are still on the sidelines, but they are close to returning.

Three of the next four games for the Sixers are against fellow top Eastern Conference teams, so it's going to be a test. Coach Nick Nurse has his young guns up and running, while Embiid has recently expressed a desire to play more minutes.

#5. Milwaukee Bucks (5-2)

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo: IMAGN)

Previous Ranking: No. 10

Offensive Rating: 120.1

Defensive Rating: 115.3

Net Rating: 4.8

The Milwaukee Bucks moved into the Top 5 of the NBA power rankings after wins over the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers. They could have won four in a row, but lost to the Sacramento Kings by two points on Nov. 1.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing like an MVP, but the Bucks are riding solely on his shoulders. If Antetokounmpo can keep up his play, and players such as Ryan Rollins, AJ Green and Myles Turner step up, they have a chance of making some noise in the East.

#4. Houston Rockets (4-2)

Previous Ranking: NR

Offensive Rating: 124.6

Defensive Rating: 112.0

Net Rating: 12.6

After an underwhelming first week, the Houston Rockets soared into the No. 4 spot in this week's NBA power rankings. The Rockets put together four wins in a row after losing their first two games against the OKC Thunder and Detroit Pistons.

While Houston's last four opponents are not considered contenders, they did beat them convincingly, which is why they climbed so high in the rankings. Alperen Sengun now has the keys to the team, with Kevin Durant content to be the closer.

#3. San Antonio Spurs (5-1)

Previous Ranking: No. 2

Offensive Rating: 118.2

Defensive Rating: 108.2

Net Rating: 10.0

From first to third is not bad, but the San Antonio Spurs suddenly found themselves in a predicament. The Phoenix Suns seemingly solved the puzzle named Victor Wembanyama, with coach Jordan Ott devising an effective plan that stopped the "Alien".

The Spurs also lost Dylan Harper to injury, making their depth questionable, especially with the number of bodies currently sidelined. Wembanyama will need to prepare for what's to come, while his teammates must step up and make the necessary adjustments as well.

#2. LA Lakers (6-2)

Previous Ranking: NR

Offensive Rating: 119.0

Defensive Rating: 115.9

Net Rating: 3.1

The LA Lakers are surprisingly at No. 2 in the NBA power rankings after just two weeks. The Lakers have six wins, the second-most in the league, after putting together gutsy performances. Austin Reaves carried the team for a while before Luka Doncic made his return.

JJ Redick has also inspired his players to give their best whenever they are on the court. To end Week 2, the Lakers were without Reaves, Doncic and LeBron James, but they still managed to beat the Portland Trail Blazers.

They were led by Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. Bronny James had a really productive outing off the bench.

#1. OKC Thunder (7-0)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder. (Photo: IMAGN)

Previous Ranking: No. 1

Offensive Rating: 118.0

Defensive Rating: 106.0

Net Rating: 12.0

The defending NBA champions are atop the power rankings after the second week of the season. It might be challenging for any team to topple the OKC Thunder, especially given their current winning streak. They are still without Jalen Williams, their second-best player, due to a wrist injury.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, is looking to win it again and prove his doubters wrong. Chet Holmgren has been impressive, while Ajay Mitchell is already playing like the next great player for the Thunder. Mitchell has stepped up and turned into the team's sixth man.

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Edited by Juan Paolo David