There’s movement, already, in the NBA’s balance of power.
That’s particularly the case in the Western Conference, where the Los Angeles Lakers have withstood injuries to LeBron James (sciatica) and Luka Dončić, though he has come off the injury report. Austin Reaves even missed a game, but no matter; the Lakers have answered most early tests this season, which does raise the question of how the team will look once James returns.
Atop the East, however, there was a surprise battle for first place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with the Chicago Bulls topping the Philadelphia 76ers.
It’s still very early in the season, but there’s nonetheless plenty to sort through.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 2 of the 2025-26 regular season:
* Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings
USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings — Week 2
1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8-0 (—)
Only undefeated team, and they’ve done it without All-Star Jalen Williams.
2. Los Angeles Lakers, 6-2 (+9)
On a four-game winning streak, and two of those were without Luka Dončić.
3. San Antonio Spurs, 5-1 (+3)
Victor Wembanyama blocks more shots per game (4.7) than 14 teams do.
4. Houston Rockets, 4-2 (+3)
Only two losses have been against Thunder and Pistons, and Kevin Durant is leading the NBA’s top-rated offense (123.2).
5. Chicago Bulls, 6-1 (+9)
Biggest surprise of the season, Bulls lead the NBA in assists per game (30.2).
6. Denver Nuggets, 4-2 (-3)
The league’s best assist-to-turnover ratio (2.13), but only victory against a team with winning record is against the Timberwolves.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers, 4-3 (-4)
They ranked first in offensive rating (121.0) last year. So far this season, they’re 26th (111.3).
8. New York Knicks, 4-3 (-3)
One year after ranking last in bench points per game (12.7), Mike Brown’s Knicks are better … but not by much (27.1; 28th)
9. Golden State Warriors, 5-3 (-7)
Dubs, not surprisingly, lead the league in made 3s per game (16.4).
10. Philadelphia 76ers, 5-2 (+3)
Blown 24-point lead against the Bulls spoils what had been an excellent start.
11. Detroit Pistons, 5-2 (+1)
Cade Cunningham’s development as a playmaker continues; he ranks third in assists per game (9.6).
12. Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-3 (-4)
Losses against Lakers and Nuggets prove Minnesota needs to beat better opponents. Knicks up next on Wednesday.
13. Milwaukee Bucks, 5-3 (-4)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is accounting for 26.9% of Milwaukee’s points in the games he plays in.
14. Miami Heat, 4-3 (+1)
A one-point win at the Clippers showed Miami will keep running — leading all teams in pace (106.43) — and defending.
15. Los Angeles Clippers, 3-4 (-5)
Too many turnovers, 18.0 per game, which ranks last in the league.
16. Boston Celtics, 3-5 (+1)
Very few turnovers, an NBA-best 11.4 per game.
17. Atlanta Hawks, 4-4 (+1)
Could’ve been worse, but Trae Young missing a month continues a string of bad luck with injuries to start the season.
18. Toronto Raptors, 4-4 (+3)
Wins against Cavs, Bucks and Hawks were indicative of how Toronto, which leads the NBA in assist ratio (20.8), spreads the ball.
19. Portland Trail Blazers, 4-3 (+4)
Credit Tiago Splitter for getting young Blazers to buy in on defense in the face of tumult. Portland leads league in steals per game (12.1) by wide margin.
20. Orlando Magic, 3-5 (—)
New season, same problems; Magic tied for 28th with just 10.4 made 3 pointers per game.
21. Utah Jazz, 3-4 (+3)
They clean up the glass and lead the NBA in rebounds per game (49.6), none bigger than the putback that beat Boston.
22. Memphis Grizzlies, 3-5 (-6)
Things are getting ugly with disgruntled Ja Morant, making eventual trade seemingly inevitable.
23. Phoenix Suns, 3-5 (+3)
Devin Booker averages 31.0 points per game. The next closest Sun, Dillon Brooks is at only 19.3.
24. Indiana Pacers, 1-6 (-2)
Sometimes, you just have bad luck. The Pacers have had very (very) bad injury luck.
25. Dallas Mavericks, 2-5 (-6)
The offense, now without Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, lacks punch and ranks last in rating (103.6).
26. Charlotte Hornets, 3-5 (-2)
Losing to previously winless Pelicans hurts, the Brandon Miller (left shoulder) injury is even worse.
27. Sacramento Kings, 2-5 (+1)
Zach LaVine has led the team in scoring in all but one game; Russell Westbrook did so in the other. They need more from Domantas Sabonis.
28. Washington Wizards, 1-6 (+1)
Offensive rating now a grim 105.5, ranked 29th.
29. New Orleans Pelicans, 1-6 (-2)
They won their first game, but now face a new injury to Zion Williamson.
30. Brooklyn Nets, 0-7 (—)
Sole winless team in NBA, ranked dead last in net rating with an abysmal -15.5.
