The first week of the NBA season is in the books and, already, the balance of power has started to shift – at least everywhere but the top.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, just months removed from their first NBA tittle since relocating from Seattle, are the first team to five victories and look very much like a threat to become the first team to repeat as champions since 2018.
But there have been surprises in the middle of the pack, where teams like the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs – each of whom missed the postseason last year – are all undefeated.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 1 of the 2025-26 regular season:
There’s no hangover from their championship run, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the elite, consistent scorer and playmaker he was last season. Starting 5-0 and doing so without star forward Jalen Williams is a very good sign.
