NBA Power Rankings, Week 6: Thunder Keep Rolling, Lakers Climb, Knicks and Magic Surge
Six weeks into the NBA season, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder continue to look like a team on a mission. With a 12-game win streak and a 20-1 record, they sit comfortably atop this week’s power rankings - and they’re not just winning, they’re dominating. There’s a long road ahead, but they’re moving at a pace that puts the 73-win Golden State Warriors season in the rearview mirror as a real target.
But OKC isn’t the only team making noise. The Lakers are back in the Top 5 after a strong week, the Knicks and Magic are surging, and teams like the Nuggets and Pistons are navigating rough patches. Let’s break down the Top 10 after Week 6.
10. Orlando Magic (13-8)
Previous Ranking: NR
Offensive Rating: 117.3
Defensive Rating: 112.4
Net Rating: 4.9
Orlando is finally getting some national shine - and they’ve earned it. After a 3-0 week, the Magic crack the Top 10 for the first time this season. With Paolo Banchero sidelined due to a groin injury, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane have stepped up in a big way, keeping the offense humming and the wins coming.
They’ve now won 8 of their last 10, and they’ve climbed to fifth in the East standings, leapfrogging the Cavs and Hawks. If they can keep this up, they’ll be more than just a feel-good story - they’ll be a legitimate playoff threat.
9. Toronto Raptors (14-7)
Previous Ranking: 5
Offensive Rating: 116.1
Defensive Rating: 111.5
Net Rating: 4.6
Toronto slips a few spots this week after their win streak was halted by the Hornets, but don’t let that fool you - this team is still dangerous. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes continue to look like a one-two punch that could cause problems deep into the season.
There’s still room for growth, especially on the defensive end, but the Raptors are firmly in the mix in an Eastern Conference that’s wide open behind Detroit and OKC.
8. Miami Heat (14-7)
Previous Ranking: 7
Offensive Rating: 116.5
Defensive Rating: 111.2
Net Rating: 5.3
The Heat drop a spot despite a pair of quality wins over the Clippers and Bucks - a testament to just how competitive the top of the league is right now. Tyler Herro looks like a perfect fit in Erik Spoelstra’s revamped offense, bringing pace and spacing to a group that’s always been known for its grit.
With a deep rotation and a system that’s clicking, Miami is built to last. Their upcoming matchup with the Thunder is one to circle - it could be a litmus test for both squads.
7. New York Knicks (13-6)
Previous Ranking: NR
Offensive Rating: 120.5
Defensive Rating: 113.1
Net Rating: 7.4
The Knicks are back - and they’re not sneaking in quietly. A 3-0 week vaulted them into second place in the East, and they’ve done it despite being hit hard by injuries. Jalen Brunson has shaken off an ankle issue and is back to orchestrating the offense with precision, while Karl-Anthony Towns is finally looking like the All-Star version of himself again.
Mike Brown has this team playing with resilience and purpose. If they can get healthy, the Knicks could be a real problem come spring.
6. San Antonio Spurs (13-6)
Previous Ranking: 8
Offensive Rating: 118.0
Defensive Rating: 113.5
Net Rating: 4.5
The Spurs were teetering on the edge of falling out of the Top 10, but a gritty 2-1 week - highlighted by a statement win over Denver - pushed them back up. With Victor Wembanyama sidelined, De’Aaron Fox has taken the reins and hasn’t looked back.
Coach Mitch Johnson deserves credit for getting the most out of his supporting cast. Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle are all stepping up, keeping San Antonio in the thick of the Western Conference race.
5. Denver Nuggets (14-6)
Previous Ranking: 3
Offensive Rating: 123.7
Defensive Rating: 114.9
Net Rating: 8.8
Denver slides a couple spots after dropping two of three this past week, but they remain in the Top 5 thanks to their elite offensive firepower. Nikola Jokic continues to do Jokic things - averaging a triple-double and anchoring the offense with effortless brilliance.
Injuries are starting to bite, though. Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are out indefinitely, and the supporting cast - including Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas - will need to carry a heavier load. Jamal Murray has been steady, and if Denver can stay in the Top 4 out West, he could finally get that long-deserved All-Star nod.
4. Houston Rockets (13-5)
Previous Ranking: 4
Offensive Rating: 122.0
Defensive Rating: 111.1
Net Rating: 10.9
The Rockets are holding steady at No. 4, even without Kevin Durant, who’s nursing a minor injury. In his absence, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have stepped up, but it’s Reed Sheppard who’s been stealing the spotlight.
Sheppard is making a legitimate case for Most Improved Player with his recent run of form. Houston’s only blemish this week was a surprising loss to the Jazz - one that kept them from leapfrogging the Lakers in the rankings. Still, this is a team that’s deeper and more dangerous than many expected.
3. LA Lakers (15-5)
Previous Ranking: 6
Offensive Rating: 118.3
Defensive Rating: 115.3
Net Rating: 3.1
The Lakers are climbing - and fast. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have become the league’s highest-scoring duo, and they’re doing it with flair and efficiency. Their offensive chemistry has been electric, but the defense is still a work in progress.
Coach JJ Redick has emphasized defensive accountability throughout their seven-game win streak, and that’ll be key if they want to chase down Detroit for the No. 2 spot. Their loss to the Suns was a reminder that there’s still work to do, but the ceiling for this group is sky-high.
2. Detroit Pistons (17-4)
Previous Ranking: T-1
Offensive Rating: 116.2
Defensive Rating: 110.6
Net Rating: 5.6
Detroit’s 13-game win streak came to an end at the hands of Boston, and they followed it up with another stumble against Orlando. But credit where it’s due - they bounced back with wins over Miami and Atlanta to stay in the No. 2 spot.
The Pistons have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, but if they want to make a real postseason push, they’ll need to find more consistent scoring. The defense is solid, the effort is there - now it’s about finding that extra gear offensively.
1. OKC Thunder (20-1)
Previous Ranking: 1
Offensive Rating: 118.9
Defensive Rating: 103.6
Net Rating: 15.3
The Thunder are in a league of their own right now. Winners of 12 straight and sitting at 20-1, they’re not just beating teams - they’re overwhelming them. Their net rating is a jaw-dropping +15.3, and they’re doing it with such dominance that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing fewer minutes than he has since his rookie year.
Jalen Williams made his season debut in Week 6, providing a boost just as Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell went down. But OKC’s depth, defense, and unselfish offense have them rolling - and if they stay healthy, we might be watching a historic season unfold.
Final Takeaway
Six weeks in, the league is starting to take shape. The Thunder look like a juggernaut, the Pistons are proving they’re for real, and the Lakers are surging with star power.
Meanwhile, teams like the Knicks, Magic, and Spurs are showing that depth and resilience still matter. There’s a long way to go, but the early-season storylines are already setting the stage for a fascinating race to the postseason.