Rockets rank first in NBA

The Houston Rockets hold the No. 1 position in the CBS Sports power rankings following a 4-0 start to the 2026-27 season. The team’s early success coincides with injuries affecting several Western Conference competitors.

Houston enters the season with a win total line of 48.5, a figure that reflects cautious expectations. Last season, the Rockets won 52 games despite lacking a dedicated point guard for most of the year and playing the second half without Steven Adams. They finished as the eighth-ranked offense and sixth-ranked defense, while posting a 1-7 record in overtime games.

The return of Fred VanVleet and Adams has altered the team’s offensive structure. Kevin Durant noted that VanVleet’s presence allows players to settle into defined roles. Synergy data shows Durant initiated pick-and-roll possessions on 18% of his plays last year, a figure that has dropped to 7.3% this season. He now averages 23.5 points on 54% field goal shooting and 47% from three-point range.

The offensive improvements extend to the supporting cast. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are attacking the basket on the move, contributing to a league-leading increase in ball movement. Houston ranks in the top 10 for total passes per game, a jump from the bottom 10 last season. The team averages three more assists per game than in 2025-26, generating nearly 10 additional points from those plays. Alperen Sengun serves as a central hub, averaging 24.5 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 58% shooting. He has made six of nine three-point attempts.

The Western Conference appears more vulnerable this year due to player absences. Oklahoma City is without Jalen Williams for the season and Cason Wallace for an extended period. Minnesota may be without Anthony Edwards until the holiday break. San Antonio continues to adjust its lineup around three guards, while Victor Wembanyama has yet to display his usual dominance.

The rankings author suggested this injury landscape creates a one-year window for Houston to make a major acquisition. The writer argued the Rockets could package their draft capital and young talent to add a star point guard. De’Aaron Fox and Kyrie Irving were mentioned as potential targets. A trade for Irving could involve sending Smith to Dallas, allowing the Mavericks to collect more picks to build around Cooper Flagg.

The author described Houston as a shadow contender in its current form. Adding a player like Irving would provide the team with a realistic chance at a deep playoff run. The next step for the organization is to evaluate these potential moves before the trade deadline.