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NBA Defense Rankings for 2026-27 Season
CBS Sports ranks NBA teams' defenses for 2026-27 season.
In brief
CBS Sports ranks NBA teams' defenses for 2026-27 season. CBS Sports projects the NBA's top 30 defensive rankings for the 2026-27 season based on pre-season analysis. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Pre-Season Defense Rankings
CBS Sports releases pre-season rankings for all 30 NBA teams' defenses for the 2026-27 season.
Thunder Lead Defense Projections
Oklahoma City Thunder projected as top defense with 2025-26 rating of 106.5.
Spurs' Defensive Strength
San Antonio Spurs ranked 3rd with 2025-26 defensive rating of 110.4.
Raptors' Defensive Strategy
Toronto Raptors ranked 5th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 112.1.
Pistons' Physical Defense
Detroit Pistons ranked 2nd with 2025-26 defensive rating of 108.9.
Rockets' Defensive Challenges
Houston Rockets ranked 6th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 112.1.
Heat's Zone Defense
Miami Heat ranked 14th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 113.6.
Celtics' Elite Defense
Boston Celtics ranked 4th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 111.7.
Knicks' Defensive Improvements
New York Knicks ranked 7th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 112.3.
Hawks' Rebounding Strength
Atlanta Hawks ranked 10th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 112.9.
Magic's Defensive Struggles
Orlando Magic ranked 13th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 113.6.
Pacers' Defensive Weakness
Indiana Pacers ranked 24th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 117.9.
Timberwolves' Extreme Defense
Minnesota Timberwolves ranked 8th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 112.5.
Trail Blazers' Backcourt Issues
Portland Trail Blazers ranked 12th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 113.5.
Cavaliers' Rim Protection
Cleveland Cavaliers ranked 15th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 114.1.
Lakers' Defensive Shift
Los Angeles Lakers ranked 20th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 115.5.
76ers' Defensive Challenges
Philadelphia 76ers ranked 17th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 114.4.
Suns' Roster Changes
Phoenix Suns ranked 9th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 112.9.
Mavericks' Transition
Dallas Mavericks ranked 19th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 115.5.
Hornets' Rebounding Strength
Charlotte Hornets ranked 11th with 2025-26 defensive rating of 113.5.
What to remember
CBS Sports projects the NBA's top 30 defensive rankings for the 2026-27 season based on pre-season analysis.
