Rockets Take Top Spot In Rankings

The Houston Rockets have started the 2026-27 season with four straight wins, a record that has propelled them to the top of the CBS Sports power rankings. This perfect start contrasts with preseason betting lines that had the team at 48.5 total wins. Last season, Houston won 52 games despite playing the second half of the schedule without center Steven Adams and lacking a traditional point guard.

The team's statistical profile last year indicated underlying strength. The Rockets finished as the sixth-best defense and the eighth-best offense. However, their record in overtime games was 1-7, suggesting their regular season wins may have understated their performance. The current roster includes Fred VanVleet and Adams, both of whom returned to the lineup this season.

Kevin Durant stated that VanVleet's return allows the team to settle into defined roles, ending the previous committee approach to ball handling. According to Synergy data, Durant initiated pick-and-roll possessions on nearly 18% of his plays last year. That figure has dropped to 7.3% this season. Durant is currently averaging 23.5 points while shooting 54% from the field and 47% from three-point range.

Team passing metrics have improved alongside individual adjustments. Houston is averaging three more assists per game than last season and generating nearly 10 more points per game off those assists. The Rockets moved from the bottom 10 to the top 10 in total passes per game. Alperen Sengun is central to this transition, averaging 24.5 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 58% shooting. He has also made six of nine three-point attempts.

Western Conference rivals face injury setbacks that may benefit Houston. Oklahoma City has lost Jalen Williams for the season, and Cason Wallace is out for an extended period with a torn labrum. Minnesota is likely to be without Anthony Edwards until Christmas. San Antonio continues to adjust lineups around three guards, and Victor Wembanyama has not yet displayed the dominant form many predicted.

The rankings author suggested this situation creates a one-year window for Houston to make an aggressive trade move. The writer pointed to the Rockets' draft capital and young talent as assets that could be packaged for almost any available player. Adding a point guard such as De'Aaron Fox or Kyrie Irving was floated as an option. The author expressed doubt that San Antonio would trade Fox to a direct rival during the season.

An Irving deal was presented as a potential fit for both sides. Dallas could collect additional picks to build around Cooper Flagg, and Jabari Smith Jr. might be included in a trade package. The author described Houston as a shadow contender in its current configuration but noted that adding a player like Irving would give the team a real chance at a title.