Sporting News Ranks Thunder No. 1 With 64-18 Projection in Post-Offseason NBA Power Rankings
Updated
Updated · Sporting News · Jul 21
Sporting News Ranks Thunder No. 1 With 64-18 Projection in Post-Offseason NBA Power Rankings
2 articles · Updated · Sporting News · Jul 21
Summary
Oklahoma City tops Sporting News' first post-offseason NBA power rankings with a projected 64-18 record, ahead of San Antonio at 57-22 and Toronto, New York and Houston at 54-28.
The Thunder kept their title-case core around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander intact, and the ranking argues reallocating Lu Dort's minutes to guards like Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso could offset depth losses.
San Antonio rose to No. 2 after adding Tobias Harris, drafting Tarris Reed and expanding Victor Wembanyama's supporting cast, while Toronto landed at No. 3 on the assumption Kawhi Leonard eventually joins.
The list also flags likely regression for several recent contenders, including Detroit dropping from a 60-win season to a 47-35 projection and New York slipping after losing reserve depth.
The rankings come after the draft and most free agency moves, using a DARKO-based win model blended with subjective roster analysis to sketch the 2026-27 NBA landscape.