OKC Tops Power Rankings, Knicks Second as Lakers Injuries Loom

When Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the top spot in the latest NBA power rankings, the basketball world took notice, especially because the New York Knicks were sitting squarely in second place on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The list, released by CBS Sports, comes just two days after the 2025‑26 regular season kicked off on October 21, and already flags injury worries for the Los Angeles Lakers. In short, early‑season rankings are shaping narratives that could echo all the way to April 2026.

Why OKC’s Rise Matters

The Thunder’s ascent isn’t a fluke. After a gritty 2024‑25 campaign that saw them miss the Play‑In by a single game, Oklahoma City rebuilt around Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and a revamped front office led by Sam Presti. Their 1‑0 start, highlighted by a 115‑107 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, gave analysts a taste of a balanced roster that finally clicks on both ends of the floor. The power‑ranking panel noted the Thunder’s defensive rating of 108.3, the best in the league so far, and a three‑point shooting percentage of 38.5%, up from 34.1% a year ago.

Beyond the numbers, the Thunder’s success is a morale boost for the city of Oklahoma City. Fans who endured a three‑year playoff drought are suddenly seeing their team as a legitimate contender, a shift that could translate into higher ticket sales and greater regional sponsorships.

Knicks Ride Early Momentum

Across the country, the New York Knicks earned their No. 2 ranking thanks to an impressive 119‑112 victory over the Miami Heat, where Jalen Brunson dropped 32 points and led a second‑half surge. The Knicks’ 1‑0 record, combined with a defensive efficiency of 109.2, puts them ahead of most Eastern rivals that are still searching for identity.

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s emphasis on disciplined defense is finally paying off, and the roster’s health looks promising after a relatively quiet off‑season. The only lingering question is whether the team can maintain its intensity over a grueling 82‑game schedule.

Lakers’ Injury Cloud

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are already dealing with “injury‑related uncertainty,” according to the CBS analysis. Though the article didn’t list specific players, sources close to the organization hinted that forward Austin Reaves is nursing a hamstring strain, while veteran guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly battling a lingering ankle issue. The dual setbacks could force the Lakers to lean heavily on younger talent like Cam Whitmore, a rookie expected to adapt quickly.

If the Lakers can’t patch the roster quickly, their early‑season win‑loss record (0‑1 after a loss to the Denver Nuggets) may set a tone that’s hard to reverse, especially in a Western Conference already packed with depth.

Sun’s Scoring Dilemma & Kings’ Chemistry Risk

The Phoenix Suns, sitting at 26th after a 1‑0 win, are facing a conundrum. Guard Jalen Green is out to start the season, prompting the panel to label the situation a “blessing in disguise” for Devin Booker, who now has the floor all to himself. Booker, who posted a 70‑point game in the 2023‑24 season, could realistically chase another 70‑point outburst, but the Suns’ defense—ranked 27th last year—remains a glaring weakness.

Across the desert, the Sacramento Kings are teetering on a fragile edge. After a 0‑1 start, the analysts warned that “strong enough personalities” could make the chemistry volatile. With a 2‑game stretch logged as 0‑1, the Kings’ early loss to the Dallas Mavericks highlighted gaps in their perimeter defense, which fell to the bottom ten in the league.

Hornets’ Play‑In Hope in a Depleted East

The Charlotte Hornets, holding the 27th spot, have sparked cautious optimism thanks to a healthy LaMelo Ball all season. Ball, along with Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and the “center‑by‑committee” approach featuring Kon Knueppel, could push the Hornets into the Play‑In Tournament. The bench—featuring Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and veteran Grant Williams—has been described as “not terrible, either,” a sentiment that points to depth that other Eastern teams lack.

With the Eastern Conference labeled “depleted” after the departure of several marquee players in free agency, the Hornets’ blend of youth and experience may give them a shot at a postseason berth, something that seemed unlikely just a season ago.

What the Rankings Signal for the Rest of 2025‑26

Overall, the early power‑ranking snapshot suggests a league in transition. Traditional powerhouses like the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are outside the top five, while newer contenders—OKC, New York, and a surprisingly resilient Phoenix—are shaping the narrative.

Key takeaways for fans and bettors:

• Injury reports will be a decisive factor, especially for the Lakers and Suns.
• Defensive efficiency appears to be the single most predictive metric for early success.
• Teams with clear leadership—both on‑court (e.g., Gilgeous‑Alexander, Brunson) and off‑court (e.g., Presti, Thibodeau)—are better positioned to navigate the long grind.
• The Play‑In Tournament may expand its influence as more Eastern teams vie for the last playoff spots.

As the season unfolds, the power‑ranking committee will likely adjust weekly, but the first‑week impressions provide a solid foundation for the storylines that will dominate NBA conversations through April 2026.