Jason Timpf: NBA Power Rankings for the Week of February 2

This past weekend in the NBA delivered clarity in a few important places. Oklahoma City reminded everyone why the title still runs through them, Denver exposed some defensive questions that won’t go away, and the Clippers’ surge forced a real re-evaluation of their ceiling – even if the math is still working against them. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star omission reignited an old debate that really shouldn’t be controversial anymore.

Let’s get into it.

Five Big Takeaways from the Weekend

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s advantage creation is the Thunder’s ultimate cheat code: Oklahoma City’s win in Denver was less about shot-making variance and more about process dominance. Fourteen of their 19 made threes came directly from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s advantage creation – either his own pull-ups, direct assists, or secondary reads created by his penetration. When Shai consistently collapses the defense, the Thunder generate an overwhelming volume of clean catch-and-shoot looks. That dynamic makes them nearly impossible to beat when they’re comfortable, regardless of opponent shooting efficiency.
2. Denver’s offense still scares teams, but its defense is the real swing factor: Denver can absolutely play better offensively than they did against OKC, especially with Jokic and Murray. But the more important question is whether they can consistently disrupt Oklahoma City’s rhythm on the other end. Teams that have beaten the Thunder this season – Minnesota, San Antonio, Phoenix, Miami – have done it with elite perimeter defenders and strong rim protection. If Denver can’t flatten OKC’s drives and shorten closeouts, their offense alone won’t be enough in a playoff series.
3. Game management has become Shai’s most valuable skill: Shai’s scoring efficiency is historic for a two-guard, but the real leap has been his control of the flow of games. He now balances his own rhythm with the rhythm of screeners and shooters, investing in possessions beyond the immediate outcome. That growth directly addresses the Thunder’s postseason swings from last year and is a major reason Oklahoma City looks more stable this season than during their previous title run.
4. The Clippers’ surge is real, but the path is brutal: Since December 20, the Clippers own the best record in the league, supported by elite offense, strong defense, and James Harden’s floor-raising ability. Kawhi Leonard has been excellent when available, and their depth has improved internally. But their early-season hole has created a nightmare path: play-in urgency, likely road games, and elite opponents stacked round after round. This run validates preseason optimism – but also highlights how thin the margin is.
5. Kawhi’s All-Star snub isn’t complicated, and LeBron isn’t the issue: Kawhi Leonard has clearly played at an All-NBA level this season. The debate should never have been whether he belonged in the All-Star Game. The frustration aimed at LeBron James misses decades of precedent – legends at far lower levels have always received All-Star recognition. The problem isn’t LeBron’s inclusion; it’s that Kawhi should already be in the field, and any injury replacement should start with him.

Jason Timpf’s NBA Power Rankings: February 2, 2026

All title odds provided by Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.

No. 10 – Phoenix Suns (+15000)

Phoenix logged impressive wins last week but remains volatile. When their shooters are comfortable and the offense flows, they can overwhelm teams quickly. Defensive consistency will ultimately determine how dangerous they are in a playoff setting.

No. 9 – Los Angeles Clippers (+6000)

This is their first appearance in the rankings all season, and it’s earned. A 120 offensive rating over the last six weeks reflects real structural strengths: Harden’s orchestration, Zubac’s interior presence, and Kawhi’s ceiling. The issue isn’t quality; it’s sustainability across an unforgiving playoff path.

No. 8 – Boston Celtics (+1200)

Boston’s offense remains elite, but their losses continue to follow a familiar pattern: stagnant ball movement and low assist totals. When they share the ball and avoid over-reliance on off-the-dribble threes, they still look like a championship-caliber group.

No. 7 – Minnesota Timberwolves (+3000)

Minnesota continues to oscillate between dominance and lapses. Their second-half defense remains elite, and Anthony Edwards’ shot-making can flip games instantly. The question is whether they can bring consistent effort early enough to avoid constant uphill battles.

No. 6 – Houston Rockets (+2000)

Houston’s season-long metrics remain excellent, but late-game offense with Amen Thompson on the floor presents real challenges against elite rim protection. It’s not fatal, but it’s a vulnerability playoff opponents will target relentlessly.

No. 5 – New York Knicks (+1400)

Six straight wins and a return to their defensive identity have stabilized the Knicks. When their shooters get clean looks, the talent gap becomes clear. Defensive intensity remains key for their postseason ceiling.

No. 4 – San Antonio Spurs (+1500)

The Spurs’ success continues to hinge on shooting variance from De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. When those shots fall, their offense becomes extremely difficult to guard. Late-game balance between Fox’s initiation and Wemby’s finishing is trending in the right direction.

No. 3 – Denver Nuggets (+450)

Denver weathered Jokic’s absence impressively and remains firmly in the contender tier. Their offensive ceiling is unquestioned – but matchups that test their perimeter defense will define how deep they can go.

No. 2 – Detroit Pistons (+1750)

Detroit continues to win through physicality, rebounding, and defense. Half-court scoring remains a concern, but their ability to control non-variance aspects of the game gives them a higher floor than many competitors.

No. 1 – Oklahoma City Thunder (+125)

Oklahoma City is still the league’s standard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying an enormous offensive burden with historic efficiency, and even amid injuries and midseason fatigue, the Thunder continue to generate the best shots in basketball. Any team that beats them in the playoffs will have earned an upset.