NBA Insiders Oct 28, 2026, 07:00 AM ET It's been over a week since the 2026-27 NBA regular season started, packed with surprise starts, star returns and disappointing debuts. Le Bron James kicked off his 24th season with the Philadelphia 76ers by defeating the defending champs, the New York Knicks, after their ring ceremony at Madison Square Garden. On the flip side, the San Antonio Spurs, after a June Finals appearance, are struggling behind young superstar Victor Wembanyama.
However, their cross-state rivals, the Houston Rockets, are one of four undefeated teams left in the Western Conference, along with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers. In the first iteration of Power Rankings this campaign, insiders break down their biggest observations from opening week, including the most surprising statistic or trend for every team, and what to expect as teams find their footing or build on momentum. Note: Team rankings are based on where ESPN panel members Jamal Collier, Michael C.
Wright, Tim Mac Mahon, Dave Mc Menamin, Vincent Goodwill, Zach Kram, Ben Golliver, Kris Rhim and Anthony Slater think teams belong. Previous rankings: Preseason Jump to a team: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLEDAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | INDLAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MINNO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHXPOR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder 2026-27 record: 4-0.
Most surprising stat or trend: Third-year guard Ajay Mitchell's elevated role. In the wake of serious injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, Mitchell should see an increased role. He has repeatedly shown he can thrive as the No. 2 offensive option alongside two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Mitchell averaged 22.5 points and 6.0 assists in last season's Western Conference semifinals sweep of the Lakers, when Williams was sidelined. He had a career-high 30 points and five assists in Monday's win over the Suns, his first start of the season.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing