Rockets top NBA power rankings for the week

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Toyota Center on November 02, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is co

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What is the story about?

The Houston Rockets are off to a red-hot start, leading the NBA with a 7-1 record, as well as holding wins over the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs. The team has looked like the same hard-nosed defensive team we have grown used to, but this time with some idea of an offensive plan. In addition, the team is playing within the flow of the offense, not forcing things to Alperen Sengun or Kevin Durant, with the “Stand Around and Watch KD” offense of last year showing less

and less of itself. Marcus Smart has been a solid addition so far, and Jabari Smith Jr. seems poised for a career year.

Granted, it’s early in the season, but the Rockets look good right now, and it seems some others might agree.The Athletic released it’s new series of NBA power rankings, and low and behold, who sits atop at the moment but your Houston Rockets. Here’s what they had to say about our boys:

Last ranking: Fourth
In the last week: W vs ATL, W at MIL, L at DAL, W vs OKC
Offensive rating: 121.2 (first place)Defensive rating: 108.9 (ninth place)

Starters: Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün
Key reserves: Marcus Smart, Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanović

Houston’s improved depth hasn’t quite made the defense special, which makes sense. The Rockets don’t have great rim protection, they have a small guard in the starting lineup and their best player is 38. The Rockets tried to get away with lineups without centers in Dallas with Şengün nursing a back injury, and it’s one reason they aren’t undefeated anymore. But this offense has taken off, and Houston is deeper than it has been at any point under coach Ime Udoka.

So with the Rockets cruising, the Thunder hurt and the Spurs off to an up-and-down start, it’s your Rockets who are currently playing the best ball in the NBA. Right behind Houston are the 5-1 Detroit Pistons and the 6-1 Philadelphia LeBrons. I think the Rockets are better than either of those teams, but time will tell. For now, enjoy the the early-season success.