2026-27 NBA Power Rankings: Preseason Top 10
A wild offseason of trades and free-agent moves reshuffled the league's pecking order. Here's how the top of the NBA looks before tip-off on October 20.
Between LeBron James joining Philadelphia, Giannis Antetokounmpo's move to Miami, and a six-team blockbuster reshaping the West, the 2026-27 NBA power rankings look nothing like last spring's Finals bracket. Here's our preseason top 10.
Offseason movement reshuffled contender status across both conferences.
The defending-champion Knicks, the Finals-runner-up Spurs and a retooled 76ers roster headline the preseason top tier, with Miami and Cleveland pushing into the conversation after major offseason additions.
Preseason Top 10
| Rank | Team | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Knicks | Defending champions return their core rotation intact |
| 2 | San Antonio Spurs | Wembanyama's leap fuels a top-five two-way roster |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | Added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown this offseason |
| 4 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Last year's No. 1 seed looks to erase the Game 7 sting |
| 5 | Miami Heat | Giannis Antetokounmpo pairs with Bam Adebayo |
| 6 | Boston Celtics | Returns a healthy roster after an East Finals exit |
| 7 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Locked in Donovan Mitchell on a $273M extension |
| 8 | Denver Nuggets | Elite half-court offense remains a top-six anchor |
| 9 | L.A. Clippers | Bradley Beal's return adds another scoring option |
| 10 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Continuity roster looks to build on last year's West run |
The Biggest Riser: Philadelphia
No team's offseason changed its outlook more than Philadelphia's. Adding LeBron James alongside Jaylen Brown gives the 76ers a top-three roster on paper heading into training camp — see the full breakdown in our 2026 Free Agency Tracker.
We'll refresh these rankings weekly once the regular season tips off October 20. Check our NBA Games hub for live scores in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is No. 1 in the 2026-27 preseason power rankings?
The defending-champion New York Knicks enter the 2026-27 season at or near No. 1, with the San Antonio Spurs and a retooled Philadelphia 76ers roster right behind them.
How did the Philadelphia 76ers become a top contender?
Philadelphia's offseason additions, including LeBron James, vaulted the 76ers into the top tier of preseason power rankings alongside the Knicks and Spurs.
How often are NBA power rankings updated during the season?
Most outlets, including NBA GRID, update power rankings weekly during the regular season as records and injuries shift the landscape.
