The 2026-27 NBA season is here, and the race for the championship looks wide open.
With the Knicks fresh off a historic title run, the Thunder and Spurs ready to battle again, and blockbuster moves reshaping the Eastern Conference, there is no shortage of contenders.
Here’s the reasoning behind our top 10 power rankings:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder remain the team to beat, even after San Antonio knocked them out of the playoffs last season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still one of the league’s most reliable superstars playing at an elite MVP level, while Jalen Williams’ return gives the offence a major boost. Oklahoma City has the depth, defensive identity and championship experience to reclaim the throne.
Not to mention, two promising new rookies in Aday Mara – dubbed the Wemby stopper and Bennett Stirtz, who notched 26 points in a preseason game.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are coming off a breakthrough season that proved they are ready to compete for a title.
Wembanyama’s dominance on both ends makes San Antonio a nightmare matchup, while Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper give the franchise an exciting young supporting cast. They have the potential to go all the way this season.
The playoff experience they gained last season could prove to be invaluable.
3. New York Knicks
The defending champions deserve plenty of respect after ending their 53-year title drought. Jalen Brunson remains the engine of the offence, while the continuity of their championship core gives them a significant advantage.
Repeating is never easy, particularly in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference, but the Knicks surprised everyone once. NY are more than capable of doing it again.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia might have the highest ceiling of any team in the East following the arrival of LeBron James alongside Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey. The talent is undeniable, but fitting so many stars together and working out best usage of the ball could take some time.
Health and chemistry will ultimately determine whether the Sixers can turn their potential into a championship. But they have all the pieces.
5. Miami Heat
Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo immediately changes Miami’s outlook. His relentless rim pressure and defensive versatility give the Heat a superstar capable of carrying them deep into the playoffs.
If the supporting cast provides enough shooting and the team stays healthy and coach Spo instills that Heat culture, Miami could well be one of the biggest threats in the conference.
6. Houston Rockets
Houston has the young talent and experience to make a serious push up the Western Conference standings.
The Rockets have continued to build around their promising core, and another year of development should help them become more consistent. Their challenge is proving they can translate their regular-season potential into a deep playoff run.
Fred VanVleet’s return should also help organise the offence and ease the playmaking burden.
7. Boston Celtics
Boston has lost significant talent, but counting the Celtics out would be a huge mistake. Their system and competitive culture remain strengths, while Jayson Tatum’s health will be central to their championship hopes.
They may not have the same margin for error as previous seasons, but they still have enough quality to compete.
It will be interesting to see how far Tatum and new recruit Paul George can take this team.
8. Detroit Pistons
Detroit is building something sustainable around Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. After establishing themselves as a serious Eastern Conference contender last season, the Pistons now need to prove it wasn’t a one-off.
Their defense gives them a strong foundation, but improved half-court offense will be crucial against the league’s top teams.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards continues to establish himself as one of the NBA’s brightest young superstars, giving Minnesota a genuine chance against anyone. Giving him another playmaker in LaMelo Ball could prove to be a winning combination, or a logistical disaster.
The Timberwolves have the physicality and defensive talent to cause problems in the West, but they need greater consistency to climb into the championship conversation.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers enter a new era following LeBron James’ departure, leaving questions about their identity and ability to compete with the West’s elite.
Luka Doncic gives the Lakers a solid foundation and if he, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler can put it together, they can make a genuine run.