2026-27 NBA Power Rankings Week 1: Oklahoma City, Detroit new top two, Knicks fall fast

Oklahoma City and Detroit took the top two spots in Week 1 of the NBA Power Rankings, while the Knicks fell rapidly following an 0-3 start. Kurt Helin notes that early-season rankings shifted heavily after preseason frontrunners New York and San Antonio each dropped their opening games. Oklahoma City claimed the No. 1 spot after starting 3-0, though the Thunder suffered a major blow when Jalen Williams sustained a severe leg injury against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Helin highlights the Detroit Pistons climbing to No. 2 despite Jalen Duren's hamstring injury, alongside strong 3-0 starts from Houston and Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Knicks tumbled to No. 13 after getting physically pushed around in three consecutive losses.