As we get closer to the end of the season, NBA becomes a trickier sport to follow for starting lineups and news. Rotations start to get wonky as teams tank or get a look at younger players. Our page is updating by the minute to help you track those starting lineups. Unfortunately we are also heading towards rotations lengthening, and more blowouts could limit minutes of starters. For example, New Orleans has been cautious with Anthony Davis of late, given he is precious trade cargo. He might be in the starting lineup, but 25 minutes played won't be unusual. Head over to our news page to check out what coaches are saying that could hint at minute projections. Be sure to follow @nbastartlineups for on the minute lineup updates and confirmations.
Injuries: M. Bamba (O), T. Mozgov (O), M. Fultz (O).
Injuries: C. Boucher (O), O. Anunoby (O).
Injuries: A. Crabbe (O), E. Davis (Q).
Injuries: M. Porter Jr. (O).
Injuries: H. Diallo (O), A. Roberson (O).
NBA lineups can change on a nightly basis, and sometimes even throughout the day. We have often seen this with Anthony Davis, who is a constant game time decision. We also get the Gregg Popovich games where he rests three to four players creating numerous fill-in players. We keep up to the minute tabs so you don’t have to, and update current starting fives for each day’s games. The lineups page will have projected starting lineups out until teams confirm their starting five. This is not a guarantee to happen before lineup lock, and sometimes teams will confirm up to five minutes before tipoff. With injuries and rest days being a big factor in NBA, reviewing a simple starting five is very important. It can be the difference between a zero in your fantasy lineup. Vegas is often aware of a player’s availability to play. We tend to see lines prior to games, and if they are off the books, then they are a true questionable. If LeBron James takes a rest night, his team will likely see a decrease in the spread and total. In addition to the starting five, fantasy projections and stats will be conveniently available to browse by each player. This helps you view who is leading the way in production and fantasy points. There is a totem pole of production for fantasy within a team. Below are our Top 5 Ranked Preseason Starting Lineups for 2019. In New Jersey and Ready to Bet on NBA? The NBA has always been a big supporter of legalized sports betting and it's coming to fruition. It's already legal to bet on sports online in NJ and DraftKings Sportsbook & FanDuel Sportsbook are leading the way. Check out Lineups Betting for the best sign up offers. Read our Draftkings sportsbook promo code and Fanduel sportsbook promo code articles for the full details.
With Gordon Hayward back in the starting lineup this year, the big question mark is always going to be who is the odd man out. Kyrie Irving is also due back after missing the last few months of the season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are expected to stay within the starting lineup most nights, while Al Horford shifts back over to the five. You might see Aron Baynes start at the five against larger starting fives, which might shift Brown or Tatum back to the bench. With Brad Stevens, starting lineups could vary by the game, but with most of the league going small, Hayward at the four seems like the way they will go.
One of the most dangerous starting fives in basketball history is pretty easy to predict on most nights. Golden State has the backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, which is going to be the solidified role barring injury. Kevin Durant and Draymond Green both can interchange positions, but the forward spots will be where they predominately plat. Green can play the five, but it is likely going to be where Jordan Bell and DeMarcus Cousins play this season. Cousins is the newest addition, but the injury is going to cause him to slowly work his way back. Cousins may never be a starter this season, but will have a heavy role off the bench.
The Rockets have had some changes over the offseason, like adding Carmelo Anthony and losing Trevor Ariza. Houston is likely going to have some changes to the starting lineup, with PJ Tucker and Marquese Chriss in the mix. Tucker should log heavy minutes against teams with strong small forwards. Tucker is known for his defense. It still is up in the air for Melo’s role, and if he comes off the bench, Chriss and Tucker will be the starting options. The Rockets will likely keep Eric Gordon off the bench for his scoring role, and use backups like Nene and James Ennis.
There has been a ton of shakeup in Los Angeles, and of course the addition of LeBron James is the big one. While LeBron can play point guard and both forward positions, this does create the opportunity to change some things up. Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball might be changing starting positions most nights, but Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma should retain their starting roles. JaVale McGee is going to be a starter, but it is hard to see him logging heavy minutes against most western teams given they can rotate a bit smaller. Expect early changes for the Lakers.
While Ben Simmons is not your prototypical sized point guard, he is the starting point guard for this Philly team, which opens up a lot for the rest of the group. J.J. Redick came back to the 76ers after a one-year deal, and will command the starting shooting guard role. Robert Covington is an underrated small forward player, but consistency will need to be the key this year, otherwise he could see Wilson Chandler overtake his spot making him a bench player. The front court continues to be Joel Embiid and Dario Saric. Both played extremely well together last season.