Rockets Reach Top of Power Rankings After Perfect Start

The Houston Rockets hold the No. 1 spot in the latest NBA power rankings after opening the 2026-27 season with a 4-0 record. The ranking places Houston ahead of its Western Conference competitors at the start of the professional league calendar.

The team’s performance exceeds preseason expectations set by bookmakers. Oddsmakers established the Rockets' win total line at 48.5. Houston won 52 games last season, but finished with an 8th-ranked offense and a 6th-ranked defense. The squad also went 1-7 in overtime games, a record that may have understated their true ability.

The roster features the return of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. Kevin Durant noted that VanVleet’s presence allows the team to settle into defined roles. This shift has reduced Durant’s need to initiate offense. According to Synergy data, Durant initiated pick-and-roll possessions on 18% of his plays last year. That figure has dropped to 7.3% this season, while his spot-up and transition shooting numbers have increased. He is currently averaging 23.5 points on 54% field goal and 47% three-point shooting.

Teamwide metrics show a shift toward ball movement. Houston averages three more assists per game than last year and generates nearly 10 more points per game from those passes. The Rockets moved from the bottom 10 in total passes per game last season to the top 10 this year. Alperen Sengun serves as the primary hub in this system. He averages 24.5 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 58% shooting. He has also made six of nine three-point attempts.

Competitive pressure in the West has decreased due to injuries. Oklahoma City lost Jalen Williams for the season, and Cason Wallace is out for an extended period with a torn labrum. Minnesota is likely to be without Anthony Edwards through the holiday break. San Antonio is still determining lineups around its guards, and Victor Wembanyama has not yet shown the dominance predicted by analysts.

The power rankings author suggested this environment creates a one-year window for Houston to make an aggressive move. The writer pointed to the Rockets’ draft capital and young talent as assets that could be traded for a star player. De'Aaron Fox and Kyrie Irving were mentioned as potential targets. The author expressed doubt that San Antonio would trade Fox to a direct rival during the season.

An Irving deal could benefit both teams. Dallas would collect additional draft picks to build around Cooper Flagg, and Jabari Smith Jr. might be included in the trade package. The author described Houston as a shadow contender in its current form but stated the team would have a real chance at a title with an addition like Irving.