{
  "id": 18110597,
  "title": "NBA power rankings: Rockets and Sixers shoot to top, Knicks drop",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/nba-power-rankings-rockets-and-sixers-shoot-to-top-knicks-drop",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-04T11:06:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-power-rankings-rockets-sixers-110604197.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NBA has temporarily halted its activities to encourage Americans to vote. With no games scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, the league provided a brief reset to assess the lessons from the first two weeks of the 2026-27 regular season. Amid the ongoing injuries, teams have started to stabilize, leading to significant changes in the rankings. Here are the Week 2 USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings:\n\nSacramento Kings sit at the bottom of the list with a 1-6 record and a -13.2 net rating. Chicago Bulls, despite playing the fastest pace in the league (105.86), have been inefficient shooters (41.6%), ranking second-worst in the NBA. Brooklyn Nets, with Julius Randle's addition, failed to stabilize their offense, and have allowed 15.0 3-point conversions per game. Utah Jazz, aiming for improvement, have been disappointing as they struggle with turnovers and an nonexistent transition offense. Milwaukee Bucks, while Tyler Herro has been solid, the team's inconsistency has been a concern, especially with Kel-el Ware's performance.\n\nLos Angeles Clippers, the only team averaging at least 20 turnovers per game, remain at the 24th spot. Phoenix Suns, playing only five games, have struggled on the glass, ranking 29th in rebounding (39.6 per game). Indiana Pacers, dealing with injuries, lack an offensive catalyst without Tyrese Haliburton. New Orleans Pelicans, who won three consecutive games, are dominating down low with 62.6 points in the paint per game, 7.5 points more than the next team. Orlando Magic, without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, have been unable to find consistent offense due to high turnovers (17.3 per game).\n\nMiami Heat, allowing the most 3-pointers per game (17.3), have a defense issue with players questioning trust. Charlotte Hornets, losing four consecutive games, are struggling offensively, ranking last in offensive rating (100.4). Washington Wizards, showing promise, are ranked fourth in the East, but their schedule hasn't been challenging. Denver Nuggets, looking older and slower, show a dip in Nikola Jokić's stats (22.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists per game). Dallas Mavericks, after winning three of four, lost to the previously winless Kings, and their partnership with Kyrie Irving has been fun to watch.\n\nAtlanta Hawks, with five different leading scorers through eight games, lead in assists per game (30.6) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.08), but their results have been uneven. New York Knicks, ranking last in pace (96.5), have struggled against top teams. Toronto Raptors, hauling in more offensive boards per game (15.3), but losses in three of their last five have hindered their progress. Cleveland Cavaliers share the ball well and protect it, but have been uneven. Golden State Warriors have won five consecutive games, with Stephen Curry's performance raising MVP questions. Minnesota Timberwolves have had two wins this week, but need to prove they can beat better teams without Anthony Edwards. Memphis Grizzlies, despite an overtime loss to the Pelicans, remain the biggest surprise, with Ty Jerome's performance being a revelation. Portland Trail Blazers, missing Ja Morant, have been doing well on the glass, limiting second chance points. Boston Celtics, with Mitchell Robinson joining Neemias Queta, rank third in opponent points in the paint per game (39.4). San Antonio Spurs, winning five consecutive games, are taking care of the ball, ranking second in turnovers per game (13.4). Finally, Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Dončić's 38.3 points per game, have the NBA's best offense (121.9 points per 100 possessions).",
  "summary": "The NBA took a pause Tuesday to encourage U.S. voters to head to the polls, but there has already been significant upheaval across the league.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}