Spurs top NBA power rankings as Knicks lead East

The San Antonio Spurs have been ranked as the number one team in the NBA power rankings for the 2026-27 season. The Spurs, who recently defeated the Sacramento Kings 126-97, start the new campaign with high expectations after a strong finish to their preseason. The New York Knicks lead the Eastern Conference in the rankings, reflecting a reloaded squad aiming to improve on last season's performance.

San Antonio Spurs compete in the NBA's Western Conference Southwest Division and have shown promising form with recent wins over the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. Their last five results include three losses followed by two victories, suggesting a team building momentum ahead of the regular season. The New York Knicks, based in Manhattan, have struggled in recent games but secured a narrow 122-120 win against the Toronto Raptors, highlighting potential despite a mixed form of one win and four losses in their last five matches.

The Spurs will open their regular season on 21 October against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game that will test their readiness as the season officially begins. The Knicks, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on their current squad's strengths to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Both teams aim to translate their preseason form into regular season success as they pursue playoff ambitions.

The Spurs and Knicks represent two of the NBA's storied franchises, with San Antonio known for its consistent competitiveness in the Western Conference and New York carrying the hopes of a reinvigorated Eastern Conference campaign. Their positions at the top of the power rankings set the tone for a season where both clubs hope to make significant progress on the court.