Two weeks into the NBA season, the early storylines are already shifting. Injuries and surprise starts are shaking up the league, with the Houston Rockets climbing to the top of ESPN’s latest power rankings after a 7-1 start. The Philadelphia 76ers are right behind them, also sitting at 7-1, while the reigning champion New York Knicks are trying to recover after starting 0-3.
The Western Conference has been especially active. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves are dealing with injuries to key players, creating opportunities for others to step up. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is making an early MVP case for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Portland Trail Blazers are showing how important depth can be while Ja Morant recovers from an injury.
ESPN’s latest rankings offer a snapshot of which teams are thriving, which are still finding their footing, and which are already facing significant challenges.
How Houston Found Its Rhythm
The Houston Rockets have taken the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s power rankings after opening the season 7-1. Their rise has been fueled in large part by the return of Fred VanVleet, whose impact on the team’s offense has been substantial.
Houston spent much of last season navigating the absence of its floor general after VanVleet suffered a season-ending knee injury before training camp. Now back in the lineup, he has brought greater organization and composure to the offense. VanVleet directs traffic, creates opportunities for teammates, and helps limit turnovers. The result is an offense with the NBA’s best rating at 121.2.
The Rockets also added veteran point guard Marcus Smart as insurance. Smart can step into the starting role when VanVleet sits, including on the second night of back-to-back games.
Houston’s strong start has pushed the team from No. 4 in ESPN’s preseason rankings to the top spot. The Rockets face Minnesota on Wednesday before traveling to Phoenix on November 7.
Detroit’s Three-Point Surge
The Detroit Pistons have moved into the No. 2 spot after a 6-1 start. Their defense remains a major strength, as they lead the league in points allowed per game and defensive rating. But their improved three-point shooting has been an important development early in the season.
Cade Cunningham is shooting a career-high 37% from beyond the arc, carrying over the form he showed during the playoffs. Kevin Huerter, who struggled after joining Detroit from Chicago midway through last season, is shooting 38.5% from three. Duncan Robinson has also contributed, ranking fourth in the NBA in three-point makes.
As a team, Detroit is sixth in three-point percentage at 38.1%. The Pistons have already matched their previous season-high of 18 three-pointers in a game twice during the first two weeks.
Detroit will host Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 4, in a matchup between two of the Eastern Conference’s best early-season teams.
Stars Facing Tough Starts
Not every team has found its rhythm. Injuries have created challenges for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder, while other teams are looking for answers after slow starts.
Minnesota is trying to stay competitive without Anthony Edwards, who is expected to miss two months after undergoing a knee procedure. The Timberwolves have managed wins over the Clippers and Bucks, but losses to Golden State and San Antonio have exposed some of the challenges of playing without their franchise guard. Ayo Dosunmu, who signed a five-year, $112 million contract this summer, will have an opportunity to prove himself in Edwards’ starting spot.
The Memphis Grizzlies, meanwhile, have moved into a younger roster build after trading Ja Morant in June. General manager Zach Kleiman had previously said the transition would not be a drawn-out five-year process, and Memphis’ 6-1 start is providing early evidence of progress.
Young players such as Cameron Boozer and Cedric Coward have taken on significant roles, while Ty Jerome has made an early impact. The Grizzlies have climbed from No. 14 in ESPN’s previous rankings to No. 6.
The West Heats Up
The Western Conference is already seeing major shifts. Oklahoma City, which opened the season at No. 1 in ESPN’s rankings, has dropped to No. 10 as injuries to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso have affected the team’s ability to generate offense from turnovers.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have moved into the top 10 at No. 7. Luka Doncic is leading the NBA in scoring at 38.3 points per game, shooting 49.7% from the field, 42.7% from three, and 88.7% from the free-throw line. His recent 42-point performance against Miami has only strengthened his early MVP case, and the Lakers have opened the season 6-2.
Portland has also made an impressive start, moving to No. 8 after going 5-1. The Trail Blazers have maintained their momentum despite losing Morant to a strained hamstring after just four games. Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard have helped keep the offense moving, while Scoot Henderson has stepped into Morant’s starting spot and Jrue Holiday has thrived in a sixth-man role.
The season is still young, but Houston’s rise, Detroit’s shooting improvement, and the growing injury concerns across the West are already shaping the early NBA landscape. The Rockets have taken the top spot, but the 76ers, Pistons, and several other contenders are making sure the race remains wide open.
