Just one week into the NBA season, we’re already getting a glimpse of which teams look ready to compete at the highest level. Early chemistry, standout performances, and strong starts have set the tone across the league. Here’s a look at the top 10 teams so far, ranked by how they’ve performed in the opening week.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oct 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander smiles during warm ups before a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder are coming off an NBA Finals where they looked like one of the best teams in recent NBA history. They have looked even better this year, led by SGA, the Thunder are looking to cruise back-to-back NBA Finals wins.
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2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers were the NBA’s best regular-season team last year and played well in the playoffs. The Cavs lost their first game of the season to the New York Knicks, but came back strong, winning 2 in a row.
3. New York Knicks
The Knicks have a lot of expectations coming into this season with a lot of well-known players and a weaker Eastern Conference. The Knicks come in at number 3 in the power rankings after playing fairly well in the first week of the season.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Don't mess with Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is making a name for himself. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The Spurs are 3-0 and have looked outright dominant. They have one of the best players in the league and the best defender in the league with Wemby. The Spurs have also built a great young core to support him, and they have looked awesome through one week of the season.
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5. Houston Rockets
The Rockets had probably the most notable addition in the NBA this season with Kevin Durant. The Rockets have some of the most potential in the NBA. They are currently only 1-1 but barely lost against the defending champs.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the NBA’s most exciting teams, with Anthony Edwards leading the way. They are 2-1 so far this season. Their wins were nothing too impressive, but they still looked really good in those victories.
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7. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have been limiting Joel Embiid’s playing time, which has been good for them, as they need him more than anyone. This has also opened the door for the other guys to expand their roles, with Embiid still a core part of the team.
8. Orlando Magic
Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
If the Magic get it together fully and hit their stride, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA. While they still haven’t hit their full stride, there have been signs of just looking great and playing together in unison.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic has been electric this season and has looked like he is on an MVP campaign. Even with that, the Lakers look like they will be a threat when Lebron James returns and helps put all the pieces together.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks make this top 10 list strictly because of Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Bucks have a few key pieces that will help them win games, the only piece they need is Giannis. They will improve as the season goes on and they continue to learn to play with one another, but for right now, it is only Giannis.
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