Rockets Rise to No. 1 at 7-1 as Injuries Reshape NBA Power Rankings
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Nov 4
Rockets Rise to No. 1 at 7-1 as Injuries Reshape NBA Power Rankings
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Nov 4
Summary
Houston climbed to No. 1 in the latest rankings at 7-1, with Fred VanVleet's return powering the league's best offense at a 121.2 rating.
Injuries are driving much of the early shake-up: Oklahoma City has lost four All-Defensive contributors, Minnesota is without Anthony Edwards for about two months, and Portland has stayed afloat despite Ja Morant's hamstring injury.
Philadelphia also sits at 7-1 behind Tyrese Maxey, who leads the NBA with 11.0 fourth-quarter points per game, while Detroit opened 6-1 with the league's top defense and improved 3-point shooting.
Luka Doncic has fueled the Lakers' 6-2 start by leading the league at 38.3 points per game, and Memphis has surged to 6-1 behind a young core after its offseason reset.
At the other end, several expected contenders have stumbled early: defending champion New York is 3-4 after an 0-3 start, Phoenix is 1-4 with the league's worst defensive rating, and the Clippers, Bulls, Bucks, Nets and Kings all opened 1-6.