NBA Power Rankings: Undefeated Starts and Key Injuries Mark Opening Week

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets are among four Western Conference teams to start 4-0, while Minnesota's Anthony Edwards faces two months sidelined.

The Oklahoma City Thunder hold the top spot in the NBA power rankings with a 4-0 record following a victory over the Phoenix Suns where guard Ajay Mitchell recorded a career-high 30 points and five assists. Houston also remains undefeated at 4-0 for the first time since the 2014-15 season, supported by Kevin Durant’s four consecutive 20-point games and Alperen Sengun recording multiple 25-5-5 performances. Memphis and Portland join them as the final undefeated teams in the Western Conference.

Injuries to high-profile stars have impacted several top-ranked rosters. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is expected to miss up to two months for an arthroscopic knee procedure despite the team starting 3-1 with a 120.8 offensive rating when he shared the floor with LaMelo Ball. The Orlando Magic are without Paolo Banchero due to an indefinite ankle injury and Jalen Suggs, who is sidelined at least two weeks with a bone bruise. Additionally, the Toronto Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard for several weeks because of left knee soreness.

Individual statistical milestones defined the first week for several franchises. Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves averaged 26.7 points on 63.9% shooting during a 3-0 start, while Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg leads the league with 3.7 steals per game. In Detroit, the 3-1 Pistons are shooting 42% from 3-point range, led by Duncan Robinson’s 5.0 makes per contest. Conversely, the New York Knicks fell to 1-3, ranking 30th in offensive efficiency and raw scoring.