Rockets Earn No. 6 Spot in NBA Power Rankings
Houston enters the new season with high expectations after key roster moves and a major contract extension.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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NBA.com has ranked the Houston Rockets at No. 6 in its power rankings ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The team is looking to build on a performance from last year that saw them finish with a point differential equivalent to 56 wins.
Why it matters
The Rockets are expected to elevate their profile in the Western Conference this year. The team could emerge as a primary challenger to the Spurs or Thunder for a spot in the Western Conference finals.
Amen Thompson signed a five-year, $208 million contract extension. Alperen Sengun, 24, averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game last season.
The players
Amen Thompson
He is a rising star for the Houston Rockets who recently secured a major long-term contract extension.
Alperen Sengun
The 24-year-old center remains a central offensive component of the Houston Rockets roster.
Kevin Durant
The 38-year-old veteran forward is currently the subject of trade speculation ahead of the upcoming deadline.
Fred VanVleet
He is a veteran guard recently added to the Houston Rockets to bolster the team's backcourt performance.
Marcus Smart
He is an experienced defensive-minded guard who joined the Houston Rockets roster during the offseason.
The details
Houston bolstered its roster by adding Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart to a lineup that features Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason. Amen Thompson also comes off a standout year where he finished in the top 10 of Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Timeline
The 2026-2027 NBA season tips off on October 20, 2026.
The NBA trade deadline is scheduled for February 2027.
Season Trajectory
Houston is looking to mirror the success of established contenders like the Spurs and Thunder to reshape the current hierarchy of the Western Conference. The organization's aggressive roster moves signal an intent to transition from a developing team to a genuine threat for the Western Conference finals.
Amen Thompson is locked in for the next five seasons following his $208 million extension, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the team. Houston's focus on defensive depth with additions like Marcus Smart points to a shift toward high-intensity play throughout the 82-game schedule.
The takeaway
The Rockets are entering a high-stakes season with the personnel required to compete at the top of the Western Conference. Fans should watch how the team integrates veterans like VanVleet and Smart while managing potential mid-season roster changes.
Further reading
For more on the team's upcoming campaign, visit the Houston Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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