Rockets climb to No. 1 in NBA power rankings after 6-1 October
Houston has risen to the top of several national NBA power rankings after a 6-1 start that included wins over Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
The Houston Rockets have moved to the No. 1 spot in several national NBA power rankings after a 6-1 start to the 2026-27 regular season. Their wins include victories over Oklahoma City and San Antonio, two teams widely viewed as heavyweights in the Western Conference. On Monday, NBA.com, The Athletic, NBC Sports and ClutchPoints all ranked Houston first.
Improved shot quality drives the start
John Schuhmann of NBA.com, writing from tracking data, pointed to the Rockets' gains in shot quality. Houston jumped from 22nd in the league last season to seventh through the first two weeks, the biggest improvement in the league by that measure. Schuhmann also noted that Kevin Durant's shot quality is the highest of any season in the 14 seasons for which tracking data is available. Durant is also posting a career-high free throw rate, drawing 63 attempts per 100 shots from the field.
Law Murray of The Athletic reached a similar conclusion. He wrote that Houston's deeper roster has lifted the offense more than the defense. The Rockets lack strong rim protection and start a small guard, and their best player is 38. Murray said the team has tried lineups without a center, including in Dallas while Alperen Şengün was dealing with a back injury, and that this is one reason the Rockets are no longer undefeated. He added that the offense has taken off and that Houston is deeper than it has been at any point under coach Ime Udoka.
Strong numbers despite injuries
Statistically, the Rockets rank first in the NBA in offensive rating and second in net rating. Houston also has more total wins than any other team. That record has come despite injuries to several rotation players, including Şengün, Reed Sheppard, Steven Adams and Marcus Smart. Starting point guard Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his right knee, has also sat out a pair of games as part of a planned maintenance program on back-to-back nights.
Next up: Celtics at home
The Rockets will look to build on their momentum in a high-profile home game against the Boston Celtics (5-1) on Monday. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Central from Toyota Center. It will be broadcast regionally on Space City Home Network (SCHN) and available to national and international audiences through NBA League Pass.