As the leaves turn and the hardwood heats up, the 2025-26 NBA season is off to a blistering start. With just a handful of games under their belts by mid-October, teams are already setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling campaign. Defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to repeat their historic run, while injury-riddled squads like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers face uphill battles. In this edition of NBA power rankings October 2025, we’ll break down the top 10 early-season leaders, highlighting standout performances, key stats, and what it all means for the playoff race.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan tracking your fantasy roster or a casual observer eyeing the odds, these NBA power rankings October 2025 offer a snapshot of who’s surging and who’s stumbling. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber play to Victor Wembanyama’s defensive dominance, the league’s young stars are shining brighter than ever. Let’s dive in.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder: Dynasty in the Making
The Thunder aren’t just leading the pack—they’re rewriting the script on youth-driven dominance. Fresh off their 2024-25 title as the youngest championship team in nearly five decades, OKC has returned its entire top-12 rotation, blending elite defense with explosive offense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is averaging 30+ points per game early on, earning early MVP buzz in the GM survey. Their point differential remains the league’s best, a carryover from last season’s record-setting SRS (Simple Rating System).
Key Stat: 62.5 projected wins—the highest over/under since the 2017-18 Warriors. With Jalen Williams emerging as an All-Star candidate and Chet Holmgren anchoring the paint, OKC is the clear frontrunner in the West.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: East’s Defensive Anchor
Cleveland holds firm as the East’s top dog. Donovan Mitchell’s leadership has propelled the Cavs to a 4-1 start, with their zone defense ranking seventh in efficiency (0.96 points allowed per chance). The addition of depth via the 2025 draft has fortified their backcourt, making them a nightmare for high-scoring foes.
Key Stat: Top-5 in both offensive and defensive ratings, per early projections. If Evan Mobley stays healthy, the Cavs could eclipse 55 wins and challenge for the No. 1 seed.
3. Denver Nuggets: Jokić’s Triple-Double Machine Rolls On
Nikola Jokić, the consensus No. 1 player entering the season, is living up to the hype with another MVP-favorite campaign. The Nuggets’ title defense is off to a 3-2 start, leaning on Jokić’s playmaking (10+ assists per game) and Jamal Murray’s resurgence. Their frontcourt depth edges out rivals in positional rankings.
Key Stat: Jokić leads the league in advanced metrics like PER (Player Efficiency Rating) through Week 1. Denver’s experience makes them a safe bet for the top-3 in the West.
4. Dallas Mavericks: Flagg’s Arrival Sparks Hope
The Mavs’ blockbuster draft pick of Cooper Flagg at No. 1 has injected youth into a veteran core reeling from Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers. At 3-2, Kyrie Irving’s recovery from an ACL tear is ahead of schedule, but Flagg’s rookie flashes (double-doubles in limited minutes) are the real story.
Key Stat: Top-10 in three-point defense, a key adjustment post-Dončić. Dallas sits outside the top-5 in some projections but could climb with Flagg’s growth.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Edwards Elevates the Pack
Anthony Edwards is on a tear, averaging 27.6 points in his fifth season and eyeing first-team All-NBA honors. The Wolves’ 4-1 record includes back-to-back conference finals heartbreaks, but their top-5 management and draft assets position them for a deeper run.
Key Stat: Seventh in MVP race last year; now projected for a top-3 finish. Defense remains their calling card, holding opponents under 105 points per game.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Offseason Glow-Up Pays Dividends
After a middling stretch, Atlanta’s bold offseason—adding Trae Young backcourt reinforcements—has them at 3-2 and buzzing. Quin Snyder’s system is unlocking Jalen Johnson’s potential, with the Hawks ranking top-10 in pace and assists.
Key Stat: Best offseason in the East, per rankings, boosting win projections by 5+ games. They’re the surprise team to watch for a playoff leap.
7. Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Carries the Load
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the East’s most unstoppable force, averaging 30-10-5 on 60% shooting. The Bucks’ 2-3 start belies their potential, especially with Myles Turner’s addition bolstering the frontcourt.
Key Stat: No other player has hit Giannis’ stat line even once in history. At 31, his patience for contention is tested, but the ceiling is championship-high.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Wembanyama’s World
Victor Wembanyama has arrived, anchoring the Spurs’ top-5 point guard and big man depth charts. Their 3-2 mark features league-leading blocks from the French phenom, turning San Antonio into a defensive juggernaut.
Key Stat: No. 4 in SI’s NBA 100 rankings, with All-Star upside in Year 3. The Spurs are climbing fast in future power rankings.
9. Los Angeles Lakers: Dončić’s Hollywood Debut
Luka Dončić’s move to LA is paying off, with 28+ points and 8+ assists in a 3-2 start alongside LeBron James. DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart add grit, making the Lakers luxury-tax contenders again.
Key Stat: Top-10 in rebounding, a stark improvement from last season. Dončić’s leadership could push them to 50 wins.
10. New York Knicks: Brunson’s Steady Climb
Jalen Brunson is cementing All-NBA status, leading a Knicks squad at 3-2 with chemistry-building alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Their offense is clicking at a top-8 clip, per early stats.
Key Stat: Back-to-back All-NBA nods for Brunson; projected for a third. New York’s market size fuels big expectations in three-year outlooks.
Injury Impacts and Dark Horses to Watch
Injuries are already shaking things up: Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear sidelines Boston for a “gap year,” while Tyrese Haliburton’s similar woe hampers Indiana. Fred VanVleet’s ACL absence drops Houston two spots, but Kevin Durant’s addition keeps them in the mix. Kawhi Leonard’s health clouds the Clippers, and the Suns’ cap crunch limits Phoenix.
Dark horses? The Detroit Pistons, with Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham pushing toward 50 wins, and the Orlando Magic under Jamahl Mosley, favored for Coach of the Year.
Bold Predictions for the 2025-26 Season
- MVP Race: SGA edges Jokić for his first award, powering OKC to 60+ wins.
- Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg dazzles in Dallas, averaging 18-8-3.
- Finals Matchup: Thunder vs. Cavs—a youth vs. experience clash.
- Biggest Surprise: Hawks snag a top-4 East seed, validating their offseason splash.
Wrapping Up the October Surge
These NBA power rankings October 2025 capture a league in flux, where youth triumphs (OKC, Spurs) collide with veteran grit (Nuggets, Bucks). As records solidify and injuries clarify, the early season leaders like SGA and Edwards are setting the pace. Stay tuned—these rankings will evolve faster than a fast break. What’s your take on the top spot? Drop a comment below, and follow for weekly updates on the 2025-26 NBA season.
Sources
- ESPN NBA Power Rankings
- NBA.com Official Leaders
- Sports Illustrated NBA 100 Rankings
- CBS Sports NBA Power Rankings
