NBA power rankings: Pistons, Nuggets make big gains; Clippers tumble

The 2025-26 NBA season isn’t even a month in, but there has already been sharp movement in the league’s balance of power.

Several squads, such as the Detroit Pistons, are exceeding early expectations. Others, however, like the Los Angeles Clippers, are underwhelming and starting to show deep flaws that may signal an eventual crash out.

The constant has been the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who did pick up their first defeat last week, but who nonetheless continue to march on to dominance, even without their second best player in Jalen Williams.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 3 of the 2025-26 regular season:

USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings

Note: Records through Nov. 9. Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings

NBA Week 3 rankings: Top 5

• 1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 10-1 (—)
• 2. Denver Nuggets, 7-2 (+4)
• 3. Detroit Pistons, 8-2 (+8)
• 4. San Antonio Spurs, 7-2 (-1)
• 5. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7-3 (+2)

The Thunder finally dropped their first game, but Detroit has surged behind the play of Cade Cunningham (25.6 points and 9.8 assists per game) and Jalen Duren (19.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game). Shooting is a concern for the Pistons, while the Spurs just got point guard De’Aaron Fox back and picked up a massive, 11-point win over the Rockets.

NBA Week 3 rankings: No. 6-10

• 6. Los Angeles Lakers, 7-3 (-4)
• 7. New York Knicks, 6-3 (+1)
• 8. Houston Rockets, 6-3 (-4)
• 9. Minnesota Timberwolves, 6-4 (+3)
• 10. Milwaukee Bucks, 6-4 (+3)

JJ Redick has leveraged huge performances from role players like Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, and LeBron James’ return is nearing. The Timberwolves only have one victory against a team with a winning record (Trail Blazers), and Giannis Antetokounmpo is firmly in the MVP race and is keeping the Bucks afloat.

NBA Week 3 rankings: No. 11-15

• 11. Chicago Bulls, 6-3 (-6)
• 12. Golden State Warriors, 6-5 (-3)
• 13. Miami Heat, 6-4 (+1)
• 14. Philadelphia 76ers, 6-4 (-4)
• 15. Portland Trail Blazers, 5-4 (+4)

The Sixers have lost four of their last six and have a third quarter problem, having been outscored nine times in the period through their first 10 games. The Bulls have lost three of their last four, and point guard Josh Giddey (ankle) may miss some time. The Heat are winning games, surprisingly without Tyler Herro and now Bam Adebayo, with their hyper-quick pace (106.95, leading the NBA).

NBA Week 3 rankings: No. 16-20

• 16. Boston Celtics, 5-6 (—)
• 17. Toronto Raptors, 5-5 (+1)
• 18. Phoenix Suns, 5-5 (+5)
• 19. Atlanta Hawks, 5-5 (-2)
• 20. Los Angeles Clippers, 3-6 (-5)

The Clippers are old, slow, turn the ball over and can’t defend; and rumors about Tyronn Lue’s future are swirling. The Raptors are sneakily competitive, with recent wins over the Cavaliers, Bucks and Hawks. And the Hawks could slide as Trae Young (MCL sprain) misses time.

NBA Week 3 rankings: No. 21-25

• 21. Memphis Grizzlies, 4-7 (+1)
• 22. Orlando Magic, 4-6(-2)
• 23. Utah Jazz, 3-6 (-2)
• 24. Charlotte Hornets, 3-6 (+2)
• 25. Sacramento Kings, 3-7 (+2)

Desmond Bane simply hasn’t panned out for the Magic, averaging just 10.8 points per game over his last five. LaMelo Ball (ankle) has missed four games, with more possible, and there seems to be no resolution to the Ja Morant situation in Memphis. Morant is shooting an abysmal 27.6% over his last five games.

NBA Week 3 rankings: No. 26-30

• 26. Dallas Mavericks, 2-7 (-1)
• 27. New Orleans Pelicans, 2-7 (+2)
• 28. Indiana Pacers, 1-9 (-4)
• 29. Washington Wizards, 1-9 (-1)
• 30. Brooklyn Nets, 1-9 (—)

The Mavericks are doing Cooper Flagg a disservice playing him at point guard, the Pacers still can’t get healthy and the Wizards have the worst net rating (-16.3) in basketball.