BetMGM's early power rankings, released on September 10, outline the teams poised to dominate the 2026-27 NBA campaign. Oklahoma City, San Antonio and New York lead the list, while recent roster moves shape the outlook for the league’s middle and lower tiers.
As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, analysts are already weighing the impact of a new draft lottery and a flurry of offseason transactions. BetMGM published an early power‑ranking snapshot on September 10, highlighting which franchises are best positioned to compete for the title based on roster stability, health outlooks and recent acquisitions (source 2).
The Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop the list, praised for retaining their core and hoping for improved health after a Western Conference finals run last year. Close behind, the San Antonio Spurs are lauded for their youthful core that reached the NBA Finals, making them co‑favorites alongside the Thunder. The New York Knicks, despite a recent loss of Mitchell Robinson, remain in the top three, though some analysts question their defensive depth. The Philadelphia 76ers jump into the top five after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, a move that dramatically raises their championship odds. Boston, while still a strong regular‑season contender, faces questions about its postseason fit after trading Jaylen Brown for Paul George.
Mid‑tier teams also attract attention. Cleveland bolsters its lineup with Peyton Watson, aiming for a balanced starting five after a narrow Eastern Conference finals loss. Houston returns Marcus Smart and anticipates Fred VanVleet’s comeback, while Detroit eyes the return of restricted free agent Jalen Duren. Denver’s outlook hinges on Nikola Jokić’s contract situation, and Minnesota’s bold trade for LaMelo Ball sparks debate over chemistry with Anthony Edwards. Toronto, after acquiring Kawhi Leonard, hopes to recapture championship form, and Los Angeles adds Walker Kessler to finally pair a true center with Luka Dončić.
The lower‑ranked clubs, from Miami to Atlanta, face significant roster overhauls and will need to navigate the new competitive balance introduced by the lottery system. As teams finalize their rosters and health reports emerge, the early rankings provide a useful barometer, but the true hierarchy will only crystallize once the season gets underway.