Victor Wembanyama, Spurs Challenge Luka for MVP

The Philadelphia 76ers sit atop the NBA power rankings after an 8-0 start, with Tyrese Maxey leading a new-look group featuring Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Philly is top three defensively, while Maxey has become the offensive engine. The Lakers, Spurs and Rockets are right behind them, powered by Luka Dončić’s 38.5 points per game, Victor Wembanyama’s 52-point, 24-rebound, eight-block explosion, and Alperen Şengün’s all-around play. Elsewhere, Golden State has won six straight behind Stephen Curry and Yaxel Lendeborg, while Minnesota owns the league’s best net rating even without Anthony Edwards. Chicago has the NBA’s worst net rating, Sacramento is leaning on rookie Darius Acuff, and Orlando could face real questions about Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner if things don’t turn soon.