The NBA schedule is marching on as the NBA Cup knockout rounds are set to kick off later this month.
Three of the Top 5 teams by standing in each of the Eastern and Western Conferences are in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, but there is one team that has dominated and stands well beyond all other squads. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominating opponents so thoroughly that many of their stars, namely Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, aren’t even playing fourth quarters.
Everyone is chasing the defending champs, who may be poised for a dominant season.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 6 of the 2025-26 regular season:
USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings
Note: Records and stats through Nov. 30. Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings
NBA Week 6 power rankings: Top 5
1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 20-1 (—)
2. Los Angeles Lakers, 15-4 (+2)
3. Detroit Pistons, 16-4 (-1)
4. Houston Rockets, 13-4 (+1)
5. Denver Nuggets, 14-5 (-2)
Oklahoma City just got Jalen Williams (wrist) back, and the Thunder are the most complete team in the NBA, and one that may put forth the most prolific season in league history. The Lakers have won seven consecutive, but their competition since LeBron James returned has a combined winning percentage of .260. And the Nuggets (123.9) and Rockets (122.3) are battling for top offenses in the NBA.
NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 6-10
6. New York Knicks, 13-6 (+7)
7. San Antonio Spurs, 13-6 (+1)
8. Miami Heat, 13-7 (+2)
9. Minnesota Timberwolves, 12-8 (-2)
10. Toronto Raptors, 14-7 (-1)
On a four-game winning streak, the Knicks have found their rhythm on offense, being deliberate in the half-court, but ranking third in offensive rating (120.5). San Antonio continues to shine, even in the absence of Victor Wembanyama (calf) and Stephon Castle (hip), including a key NBA Cup victory Friday, Nov. 28, over the Nuggets. And the Raptors are on a two-game losing streak, but have been one of the surprises in the NBA and lead the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.08).
NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 11-15
11. Atlanta Hawks, 13-8 (+1)
12. Phoenix Suns, 12-9 (-1)
13. Cleveland Cavaliers, 12-9 (-7)
14. Orlando Magic, 12-8 (—)
15. Boston Celtics, 11-9 (+1)
The Suns continue to outperform, and Dillon Brooks’ offensive game — he’s averaging career-bests points per game (21.7) and shooting percentage (45.1%) — is a key reason why. The Cavaliers have lost three in a row and Cleveland’s offensive rating (115.7; 14th) is 5.3 points off of last year’s league-leading mark. Orlando, without Paolo Banchero (groin) have steadied their play as Desmond Bane’s usage has increased.
NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 16-20
16. Philadelphia 76ers, 10-9 (+1)
17. Golden State Warriors, 11-10 (-2)
18. Memphis Grizzlies, 9-12 (+3)
19. Milwaukee Bucks, 9-12 (-1)
20. Chicago Bulls, 9-10 (-1)
Whereas the Bucks have floundered without Giannis Antetokounmpo (going 2-8 over their last 10), the Grizzlies have been steady without Ja Morant (winners of three consecutive). Nikola Vučević’s frustration with his young teammates shows the Bulls might be headed toward an inevitable rebuild, and the Warriors are also facing tension and drama, with Stephen Curry (quad) sidelined.
NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 21-25
21. Portland Trail Blazers, 8-12 (-1)
22. Dallas Mavericks, 6-15 (+1)
23. Charlotte Hornets, 6-14 (+2)
24. Utah Jazz, 6-13 (—)
25. Indiana Pacers, 4-16 (+3)
The early-season success has faded for the Trail Blazers, whose pace has slowed significantly. The Mavericks are starting to find a rhythm as Cooper Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 35 points, breaking the mark previously held by LeBron James. And the Pacers are finally starting to get (a little) healthier.
NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 26-30
26. Los Angeles Clippers, 5-15 (-4)
27. Sacramento Kings, 5-16 (-1)
28. New Orleans Pelicans, 3-18 (+1)
29. Brooklyn Nets, 3-16 (-2)
30. Washington Wizards, 2-16 (—)
It’s time to wonder whether Tyronn Lue’s job is in trouble and if the Clippers are about to embark on a full rebuild. The Kings posted solid consecutive victories against the Timberwolves and Nuggets, but have since lost three in a row. And the Wizards beat the Hawks in a 46-point gem from CJ McCollum, but they continue to hold the NBA’s worst net rating (-12.2).
