NBA Preview: Power rankings

The 2026-27 NBA season is set to begin with Oklahoma City Thunder, while the NBA champion New York Knicks were placed lower than some might expect. In early power rankings, the Thunder occupy No. 1, described as being one win away from the Finals despite missing Jalen Williams, with Sam Presti’s roster built for long-term success. San Antonio Spurs are No. 2, followed by the Knicks at No. 3, where the return of LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard and Tyrese Haliburton is cited as raising Eastern Conference stakes. Philadelphia is No. 4, with attention on the availability questions around LeBron James and Joel Embiid. The list continues with Cleveland at No. 5, Boston at No. 6, and Detroit at No. 7, among others, ending mid-sentence for Indiana.