Thunder, Rockets, Grizzlies, Blazers Start 2026-27 Season Unbeaten

Four NBA teams have gone undefeated in the opening week of the 2026-27 regular season. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Portland Trail Blazers all hold perfect records. The Thunder, who won the championship in 2024-25, lead the pack with a 4-0 record.

The Thunder's success comes despite significant injuries. Jalen Williams suffered a fibula and ankle injury, and Cason Wallace is out with a shoulder issue. Third-year guard Ajay Mitchell has filled the void. He scored a career-high 30 points and recorded five assists in Monday's victory over the Phoenix Suns. That performance marked his first start of the season.

The Houston Rockets are 4-0, their best start since the 2014-15 campaign. The return of point guard Fred VanVleet from a torn ACL has stabilized the offense. Kevin Durant has scored at least 20 points in four straight games, a feat he has accomplished ten times in his career. Alperen Sengun has also thrived, recording multiple games with at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in his first four appearances.

The Portland Trail Blazers are 3-0 following the pairing of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant. Lillard returned from an Achilles injury to help Portland build a 21-0 lead in their season opener against the Suns at Moda Center. Morant has adapted to the crowded backcourt, tracking toward career lows in minutes, points, and usage rate.

The San Antonio Spurs, who reached the Finals in June, are 2-2. They have struggled with a new starting lineup. Coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the team's defensive floor has dropped. He stated the team must return to the standard they are capable of. The Spurs have faced tough competition, including losses to Oklahoma City and Houston.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 3-1. LeBron James started his 24th season by helping the team defeat the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Sixers are rebounding poorly, ranking 29th in offensive rebounds per game and 26th in total rebounds. Coach Nick Nurse said the players understand they need to do better. The front court has been decimated by injuries.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 3-1. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball have shown strong chemistry, with the team outscoring opponents by 31 points in 56 minutes together. However, Edwards will miss up to two months due to an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania the procedure occurred on Tuesday.

The Detroit Pistons are 3-1 and shooting 42% from three-point range. Duncan Robinson is averaging 5.0 three-pointers per game, leading the league. Newcomer John Collins is shooting 50% from deep. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted that Robinson is more comfortable taking contested shots, a sign of increased aggression.

The Los Angeles Lakers are 3-1. Austin Reaves is averaging 26.7 points on 63.9% shooting. He and Luka Doncic are the only pair of teammates in the top 10 in scoring. Both players are also among the top 10 in turnovers per game, with Doncic averaging 7.0 and Reaves averaging 4.3.

The Toronto Raptors are 2-1. Kawhi Leonard is sidelined with left knee soreness for several weeks. In his absence, Scottie Barnes finished 0-12 with three turnovers and a minus-27 rating in an 117-94 loss. The Boston Celtics are 3-1 and starting Jordan Walsh, a rotational player from last season, over veterans Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard.