NBA Power Rankings: First-week stats and trends that stand out for all 30 teams — SkimNews
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- Oklahoma City Thunder opened the 2026-27 season at 4-0 and remained No. 1 in the panel; Ajay Mitchell scored a career-high 30 points with five assists in his first start as injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace expanded his role.
- Minnesota Timberwolves produced a 120.8 offensive rating when Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball shared the court and outscored opponents by 31 points in 56 minutes, but Edwards will undergo arthroscopic right-knee surgery and be sidelined for up to two months.
- Detroit Pistons shot 42% from three through their first three games; Duncan Robinson leads the league with 5.0 makes per game while shooting 54%, and newcomer John Collins is taking nearly five a night at 50%.
- Houston Rockets opened 4-0 for the first time since 2014-15; Fred VanVleet's return helped Kevin Durant begin with four straight 20-point games, while Alperen Sengun became the third Rocket with multiple 25-5-5 games in the first four.
- Philadelphia 76ers beat the defending-champion New York Knicks after their ring ceremony, yet their average of 8.8 offensive rebounds still ranks 29th, and they are also 26th in total rebounds despite Nick Nurse's goal of becoming a good rebounding team.
- Los Angeles Lakers opened 3-0 with Austin Reaves averaging 26.7 points on 63.9% shooting, 61.5% from three and 89.7% at the line, while Luka Doncic averaged 34.3; both also ranked in the league's top 10 in turnovers.
- Portland Trail Blazers reached 3-0 after a 21-0 run to open against Phoenix, while Ja Morant tracked toward career lows in minutes, points, shots and usage as he sacrificed role in a crowded rotation behind Damian Lillard's return from an Achilles injury.
Why it matters: Oklahoma City's No. 1 ranking is backed by a 4-0 record and a 30-point first start from Ajay Mitchell. Minnesota's 120.8 offensive rating is compelling, but Anthony Edwards' arthroscopic right-knee procedure and absence of up to two months materially alter the lineup that produced it.
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