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With preseason just around the corner, we’re at a point where we can begin assessing each team and their anticipated starting lineups. In this piece, I’ll share my predictions for the starters of each team, as well as highlight some competition for positions, whether for the first game of the season or further down the line.
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Trae Young
SG: Dyson Daniels
SF: Zaccharie Risacher
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Kristaps Porziņģis
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Onyeka Okongwu
Luke Kennard
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Even if Okongwu finds himself coming off the bench, he is expected to log significant minutes, possibly even more so if Porziņģis is sidelined. Kennard and Alexander-Walker enhance the Hawks’ guard rotation, offering crucial depth and the potential for meaningful minutes, depending on matchups.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: Egor Dёmin
SG: Cam Thomas
SF: Terance Mann
PF: Michael Porter Jr.
C: Nic Claxton
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Day’Ron Sharpe
Noah Clowney
Dariq Whitehead
The Nets appear to be continuing their rebuild, and this may lead to a balanced distribution of playing time. Should Claxton be traded or unavailable, Sharpe stands to benefit noticeably. Clowney has shown promise but must deliver consistent performances, while Whitehead is a relatively underutilized asset worth watching as the season unfolds.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: Derrick White
SG: Payton Pritchard
SF: Jaylen Brown
PF: Sam Hauser
C: Luka Garza
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Neemias Queta
Anfernee Simons
Chris Boucher
Simons might not stay in Boston for the whole season, but his scoring ability and ball-handling skills ensure he remains vital, even if he doesn’t start. The center position is an area of concern for Boston, likely leading the coaches to frequently adjust minute allocations.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Kon Knueppel
SF: Brandon Miller
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Mason Plumlee
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Liam McNeeley
Collin Sexton
Kalkbrenner had an impressive Summer League and is likely to earn a starting role at some point. McNeeley also showed promise prior to an injury setback. Should the Hornets encounter difficulties, expect McNeeley to play an increased role. Sexton is a reliable scorer who is expected to log substantial minutes if the Hornets aim for competitiveness.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Coby White
SF: Ayo Dosunmu
PF: Matas Buzelis
C: Nikola Vučević
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Tre Jones
Zach Collins
Jones ended the last season on a high note prior to his injury and will likely serve as the primary backup to Giddey now that Lonzo Ball is out. Although Vučević remains in Chicago, it’s plausible he may be traded this season. Collins showed promise late last season and seems to have moved past Jalen Smith in the lineup hierarchy.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: Darius Garland
SG: Donovan Mitchell
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Lonzo Ball
Larry Nance
The Cavaliers have a well-defined rotation, making it unlikely for many shifts in roles. Ball comes in as a replacement for Caris LeVert and is expected to get solid minutes. Should Garland experience any setbacks, Ball might take on a more pronounced role. Nance, a savvy addition, could allow Mobley to play more at center. Although minutes for Nance may vary, his skillset warrants attention.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Cooper Flagg
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Dereck Lively
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
PJ Washington
Max Christie
Brandon Williams
Washington excelled in various roles last season and should continue to be a top bench option. Christie started strong in Dallas but tapered off, and will look to regain momentum early this season. Russell will likely begin as the starting point guard until Kyrie Irving returns, but his position isn’t guaranteed. Should Russell falter, Williams had a strong finish last year and will be a candidate for increased minutes.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Christian Braun
SF: Cam Johnson
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokić
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Bruce Brown
Jonas Valančiūnas
Peyton Watson
Returning to Denver, Brown is expected to take on a key sixth-man role. Any injuries within the starting five would likely mean increased minutes for him. Valančiūnas serves as a solid backup to Jokić and can step into the starting role if needed. Watson has shown flashes of potential but will need to work on consistency to solidify his place in the rotation.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Jaden Ivey
SF: Ausar Thompson
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Jalen Duren
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Caris LeVert
Ron Holland
After a somewhat lukewarm rookie season, Holland is expected to be more involved this year. He made a notable impression in the Summer League and represents a crucial part of Detroit’s youthful lineup. LeVert will assume the role of sixth man and has the potential to contribute significantly on any given night.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Steph Curry
SG: Brandin Podziemski
SF: Jimmy Butler III
PF: Draymond Green
C: Quinten Post
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Jonathan Kuminga
De’Anthony Melton
Kuminga’s role remains uncertain, making him hard to project accurately. If he remains with the Warriors, expect him to play around 25 minutes a game. After an injury-plagued season, Melton is eager to showcase his talent and brings much-needed defensive assistance to the backcourt.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Amen Thompson
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
C: Alperen Sengun
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Tari Eason
Reed Sheppard
Clint Capela
After trading for Durant, the Rockets are fully invested this season. While Eason’s role may be affected, he should still see ample minutes. Sheppard didn’t make a significant impact last year but could become a fixture in the rotation following a strong Summer League. Capela will vie with Steven Adams for minutes at center; should Sengun miss time, Capela will likely take over the starting job.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: Andrew Nembhard
SG: Bennedict Mathurin
SF: Aaron Nesmith
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jay Huff
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Isaiah Jackson
Obi Toppin
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, the Pacers find themselves regrouping. The departure of Myles Turner allows for Huff and Jackson to step up, with Huff likely being the first to take over the starting role. Toppin proved valuable last season and is expected to continue to provide high energy as required.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: James Harden
SG: Bradley Beal
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: John Collins
C: Ivica Zubac
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Chris Paul
Brook Lopez
The Clippers’ roster skews older, which may pose challenges ahead. Despite being in the final stages of their careers, both Paul and Lopez are expected to offer crucial contributions to a team racing against time for a championship.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Luka Dončić
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Rui Hachimura
PF: LeBron James
C: Deandre Ayton
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Marcus Smart
Jarred Vanderbilt
Smart joins the Lakers aiming to redeem himself after a disgruntled season in Washington. Though he’s likely to operate off the bench, his defensive skills are critical for the team, allowing him to close out games occasionally. Vanderbilt is also fighting for time; while Ayton’s addition may limit his opportunities, Vanderbilt’s defensive abilities should keep him included in game rotations.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Jaylen Wells
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Zach Edey
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Santi Aldama
Ty Jerome
Aldama excelled last season and will look to continue his upward trend, especially with Jackson anticipated to miss the start of the season, granting Aldama additional playing time. Jerome has proven effective for the Cavaliers and now brings his skills to Memphis, likely coming off the bench, but he remains a player to monitor.
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**Projected Starters:**
PG: Tyler Herro
SG: Norman Powell
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Bam Adebayo
C: Kel’el Ware
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Nikola Jović
Dru Smith
Jović possesses the versatility to fulfill multiple roles on a Heat team searching for its identity. Although a starting spot might elude him, he could earn significant minutes. Smith was on the rise last season before an injury halted his momentum; known as a top wing defender on the team, he aims to re-establish his presence.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Kevin Porter Jr.
SG: Gary Trent
SF: Kyle Kuzma
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Myles Turner
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Cole Anthony
Ryan Rollins
Bobby Portis
With the departure of Damian Lillard, the point guard position seems up for grabs in Milwaukee. Porter Jr. is the frontrunner currently, but both Anthony and Rollins could emerge as candidates for greater responsibility. As always, Portis will contribute significantly, particularly when Antetokounmpo is unavailable.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Donte DiVincenzo
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Julius Randle
C: Rudy Gobert
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Naz Reid
Terrence Shannon
Reid offers the Timberwolves reliable scoring from the bench but would benefit from Gobert being unavailable to elevate his standing. Shannon also drew attention during Summer League and appears set for a more substantial role.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Herb Jones
SF: Trey Murphy III
PF: Zion Williamson
C: Yves Missi
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Derik Queen
Saddiq Bey
Missi is likely to start at center, though his rookie campaign was underwhelming. Look for Queen to challenge for immediate minutes as well. Coming off an injury-riddled season, Bey aims to showcase his potential once again, but his exact role is yet to be determined.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Mikal Bridges
SF: Josh Hart
PF: OG Anunoby
C: Karl-Anthony Towns
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Mitchell Robinson
Jordan Clarkson
With Tom Thibodeau gone, we might see the starters’ minutes decrease in New York, potentially allowing players like Robinson, who provides valuable rim protection, to play more. Clarkson is likely to settle into a sixth-man role.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Lu Dort
SF: Jalen Williams
PF: Chet Holmgren
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Cason Wallace
Aaron Wiggins
Nikola Topić
Oklahoma City is riding a wave of success, and major changes in the lineup seem unlikely. Wallace stood out as a key bench contributor last season and should anchor the second unit again. Wiggins has developed as a secondary scorer, possibly solidifying his spot in the rotation. Topić is an exciting prospect, albeit one likely to start with limited minutes.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Jalen Suggs
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Paolo Banchero
C: Wendell Carter Jr.
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Goga Bitadze
Jase Richardson
Orlando Robinson
Carter hasn’t locked in his starting center position, allowing Bitadze to vie for minutes, while Robinson should also see time in the mix. Both could be productive at various points throughout the season. Meanwhile, players like Anthony Black and Jett Howard have yet to impress, with Richardson likely getting his shot at some stage.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: VJ Edgecombe
SF: Paul George
PF: Kelly Oubre Jr.
C: Joel Embiid
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Adem Bona
Jared McCain
Quentin Grimes
Health remains a crucial factor for the 76ers, particularly regarding Embiid’s ongoing knee issues that might limit him to around 40 games. Bona had a strong finish last season and is first in line to assume a starting role if Embiid is sidelined. McCain showcased promise before an unfortunate knee injury. He’ll be looking to resume his trajectory where he left off, while Grimes, who shined toward the end of last season, will aim to continue his successful run.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Devin Booker
SG: Jalen Green
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Ryan Dunn
C: Mark Williams
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Jordan Goodwin
Khaman Maluach
The Suns may opt for a lineup without a traditional point guard initially, allowing Goodwin to play a key role off the bench. Williams is expected to start at center after joining from Charlotte, while Maluach, a sought-after prospect in the draft, could see meaningful minutes given his rim-protecting capabilities.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Scoot Henderson
SG: Shaedon Sharpe
SF: Toumani Camara
PF: Deni Avdija
C: Donovan Clingan
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Jerami Grant
Yang Hansen
Jrue Holiday
Grant remains a candidate for the starting lineup, potentially at the expense of either Avdija or Sharpe, and is expected to see plenty of action. The Trail Blazers have various options at center, though Hansen stands out as a modern asset. If Holiday capitalizes on his opportunity, it may impact Henderson’s minutes and role.
—
**Projected Starters:**
PG: Dennis Schröder
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Keegan Murray
C: Domantas Sabonis
**Contenders for Playing Time:**
Malik Monk
Keon Ellis
Nique Clifford
Although Monk is likely to transition to a bench role, there are arguments to be made for him deserving a larger share of minutes. Ellis has established himself as a lockdown wing defender but has faced inconsistent playtime. Clifford may also be called to step up more than expected.
