NBA power rankings: Rockets and Sixers shoot to top, Knicks drop

The Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers have risen to the top spots in USA TODAY's NBA power rankings after two weeks of regular-season action. Houston claimed the No. 1 ranking behind an NBA-best +12.8 net rating and strong play from Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. Meanwhile, the second-ranked 76ers climbed behind the league's third-ranked defensive rating, while the New York Knicks slipped down the order amid pace struggles.

Elsewhere across the rankings, the Detroit Pistons dropped slightly despite winning three straight games, and the Sacramento Kings fell to 30th with a 1-6 record. Several key individual performances were highlighted, including Luka Dončić averaging 38.3 points per game and 38-year-old Stephen Curry helping Golden State win five straight games, while the Oklahoma City Thunder face setbacks with Chet Holmgren sidelined.