Rockets Hold Top Spot in NBA Rankings After Perfect Start

The Houston Rockets began the 2026-27 season with a four-game winning streak. This record places them at the top of the latest power rankings.

The ranking arrives during a difficult stretch for Houston’s Western Conference competitors. Oklahoma City has lost Jalen Williams for the season. Cason Wallace is also out for an extended period due to a torn labrum. Minnesota is likely to be without Anthony Edwards until Christmas. San Antonio continues to adjust to a lineup centered on three guards, while Victor Wembanyama has not yet displayed the dominance many expected.

Houston’s performance contradicts preseason expectations. Betting markets set the team’s win total line at 48.5. Last season, the Rockets won 52 games without a dedicated point guard and played the second half of the schedule without Steven Adams. They finished as the eighth-ranked offense and sixth-ranked defense while going 1-7 in overtime games.

The return of Fred VanVleet and Adams has altered the team’s dynamics. Kevin Durant stated that VanVleet allows the team to settle into comfortable roles. According to Synergy, Durant initiated pick-and-roll possessions on nearly 18% of his plays last year. That figure has dropped to 7.3% this season. His spot-up and transition numbers have increased, and he is averaging 23.5 points on 54/47 shooting splits.

The improvement extends to other players. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are attacking downhill after catching the ball on the move. Houston is averaging three more assists per game than last year. This increase has generated nearly 10 more points per game. The Rockets moved from the bottom 10 in total passes per game last season to the top 10 this season.

Alperen Sengun acts as the primary hub for this new offense. He averages 24.5 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 58% shooting. He has made six of nine three-point attempts. Defenders face a difficult choice against him. If they stay one-on-one, he can overpower them at the rim. If they help off, they leave Durant open for a shot or allow a teammate to cut to the basket. Reed Sheppard has also found a role running two-man actions without serving as the primary organizer.

The rankings suggest this season could be a window for aggressive moves. The author of the rankings pointed to Houston’s draft capital and young talent as assets. They suggested the team could package these pieces for a major acquisition. Options like De'Aaron Fox or Kyrie Irving were mentioned. The author noted doubt that San Antonio would trade Fox to a direct rival in season. An Irving deal could benefit Dallas, which seeks more picks to build around Cooper Flagg. Smith might also be included in such a trade. The author described Houston as a shadow contender currently but a real chance with an added star.