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Starting Lineup Predictions 2022: Rockets, Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers, and Grizzlies

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Houston Rockets

Point Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.

Shooting Guard: Jalen Green

Small Forward: Eric Gordon

Power Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.

Center: Alperen Şengün

Sixth Man: Jae’Sean Tate

Although the Rockets won’t have many victories this season, this starting lineup may provide some entertaining basketball. Meanwhile, Gordon is the only player older than 22 years in this lineup. He acts as the veteran leader who can score, pass the ball, and play strong defense. Meanwhile, Porter and Green can light up the scoreboard. Moreover, the 19 years old, Smith is good enough to be a plus defender even as a rookie. Meanwhile, Şengün is among the finest big-man passers in the NBA and his presence can turn things on for the Rockets.

Indiana Pacers

Point Guard: Tyrese Haliburton

Shooting Guard: Ben Mathurin

Small Forward: Buddy Hield

Power Forward: Jalen Smith

Center: Myles Turner

Sixth Man: Chris Duarte

Haliburton is a very effective shooter and gifted passer who is ready for a remarkable year. He could be the NBA’s next great point guard and a potential All-Star contender. But as the season progresses, who he chooses to pass to can shift significantly. Meanwhile, Turner and Hield are now still Pacers and due to their quality the Pacers can use to them to highlight future trade talks. However, Haliburton might flourish alongside Mathurin and Smith, and Duarte.

Los Angeles Clippers

Point Guard: John Wall

Shooting Guard: Paul George

Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard

Power Forward: Nicolas Batum

Center: Ivica Zubac

Sixth Man: Reggie Jackson (or Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr., Luke Kennard, Robert Covington, Terance Mann, etc.)

This is the deepest squad in the league and the only NBA club that could have six guys with enough skill to be a sixth man. Meanwhile, Jackson and Wall will compete for the starting point guard position. However, would could make more sense as a scorer and facilitator off the bench. Meanwhile, the only three players guaranteed starting positions are Leonard, George, and Zubac.

Los Angeles Lakers

Point Guard: Russell Westbrook

Shooting Guard: Patrick Beverley

Small Forward: LeBron James

Power Forward: Anthony Davis

Center: Thomas Bryant

Sixth Man: Lonnie Walker IV

Beverley was a perfect match for this Lakers club, which lacked shooting, toughness, and defense. Meanwhile, he will be lethal along with Westbrook in the defense. The Lakers are likely to play with Davis in the fourth quarters of games. However, starting with Bryant at center will provide them another shooter and Davis can be free to defend the power forwards. Moreover, Walker would make appearance in the starting lineup, considering his shooting ability and athleticism. However, things will be difficult for the Lakers if the Westbrook, James, and Davis combination continues dismally.

Memphis Grizzlies

Point Guard: Ja Morant

Shooting Guard: Desmond Bane

Small Forward: Dillon Brooks

Power Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Center: Steven Adams

Sixth Man: Tyus Jones

This starting five of the Grizzlies completely hammered opponents last season, outscoring them by a staggering 25.1 points per 100 possessions, ranking in the 95th percentile. Meanwhile, Morant, Bane, and Jackson are all still under the age of 24, and the entire starting lineup is in their 20s. Although Jackson may not get a starting position considering right foot surgery, his debut might occur by the end of October. However, the Grizzlies have enough fire power in Brandon Clarke and newcomers Jake LaRavia and David Roddy to cover Jackson’s place.

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