NBA 2023-24 predictions: What will be the starting 5 for every team?

From Damian Lillard’s blockbuster trade to the Bucks to the ongoing fiasco with James Harden in Philly, there’s a whole lot to unpack in the upcoming campaign. That’s precisely what makes the starting lineup possibilities so intriguing

The projected NBA starting lineups for the 2023-24 season

While these lineups are subject to change due to injury, trades, and a whole host of other things, the following lineups are based both on what we’ve seen in preseason and of course what simply makes the most sense. Let’s get into it.

Atlanta Hawks (2023 Record: 41-41)

Between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, the Hawks have got a great base. Indeed, Young averaged 26.2 points despite shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from three, meaning things will only get better as his game continues to improve.

Boston Celtics (2023 Record: 57-25)

The arrival of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis has undoubtedly made an already scary team even more menacing. With the freedom that their contributions will give Jayson Tatum, one can only expect to see the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals once again. To be perfectly honest, the Celtics are probably the best team in the NBA and will be looking to prove that this year.

Brooklyn Nets (2023 Record: 45-37)

The Nets lost both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns respectively, but it’s got to be said, they managed to put together a decent roster in the wake of what were two major blows. There’s Mikal Bridges who’s becoming a genuine star, while Cam Johnson continues to show his shot is on the money. Let’s not forget Spencer Dinwiddie and Cam Thomas who are both established scorers. Where defense is concerned, Nic Claxton will be the man the team looks to and rightly so. Assuming Ben Simmons can get back to his best, this team could yet surprise us.

Charlotte Hornets (2023 Record: 27-55)

Sadly, the Hornets have lost two major pieces of their puzzle in Miles Bridges and Kai Jones. What’s worse is that in both cases the reasons were not only unrelated to basketball but downright unacceptable. None the less here we are. LaMelo Ball is a star and that’s that. He will, however, require some help which is where Terry Rozier comes in as he is indeed another player who can score 20+ points per game. There is obviously Brandon Miller, but it will be interesting to see how the wrongful death case that he now faces, affects things going forward.

Chicago Bulls (2023 Record: 40-42)

We’re not for the loss of Lonzo Ball, things could be very different in Chicago. That’s not to say the Bulls aren’t capable of making the playoffs. In Nikola Vucevic they’ve got a an elite player who will now play alongside two others: DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2023 Record: 51-31)

Between Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs have probably got the best defense in the league. On top of that you’ve got Darius Garland and the young and extremely talented Donovan Mitchell. One gets the feeling that with a tweak here and there, this is quite likely a team that can contend.

Dallas Mavericks (2023 Record: 38-44)

The Mavs should be ashamed of themselves. With a wealth of talent in their lineup, it’s hard to understand how they missed the playoffs last season. Of course with reports suggesting they did so to protect Draft lottery chances, we come back to the part about shame. Nonetheless, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving need no introduction. Both are easily among the best in the league and where the Slovenian is concerned, almost certainly a future MVP. Yet, we’ve got to give a nod to Dereck Lively II who is a defensive linchpin.

Denver Nuggets (2023 Record: 53-29)

Even if he didn’t manage to win a third straight MVP award, there are many who would argue that Nikola Jokic is still the best player in the NBA. Considering that he almost averaged a triple-double and took his team to an NBA title, it’s a fair point. To be honest, not much has changed in Denver where the lineup is concerned and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Don’t be surprised if Jokic is once again the league’s best player when the curtain comes down and perhaps a two-time champion as well.

Detroit Pistons (2023 Record: 17-65)

The Pistons have a special player in the 2023 fifth overall pick, Ausar Thompson. Athletic and clearly an all-around solid player, Thompson may find himself in and out of the starting lineup as he continues to develop, but after his 12 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block in Detroit’s first preseason game, we’re guessing he’s going to see a whole lot of minutes.

Golden State Warriors (2023 Record: 44-38)

The Bay Area has been ruled by the “Splash Brothers” for the better part of a decade and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. When it comes to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, there’s nobody better from beyond the arc. Yet, it’s clear that something wasn’t right with the Warriors last season, which brings us to the addition of former Phoenix Suns star point guard, Chris Paul. There was much debate about how the playmaker would fit into a team that already has a very distinct style of play and personnel who execute it to a T, however, from what we can see, head coach Steve Kerr intends to put those doubts to rest.

Houston Rockets (2023 Record: 22-60)

There is a school of thought that suggests the Rockets were one of the winners of the offseason. The arrival of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks would seem to support that. The Rockets are in the middle of a rebuild having gone 22-60 last season, but by the looks of things, it’s going well. Reggie Bullock is another interesting addition. Keep an eye on this team.

Indiana Pacers (2023 Record: 35-47)

Tyrese Haliburton can play some serious ball. His average of 10.4 assists and a league-leading 19.8 potential assists per game was something to behold last season. With that said, Haliburton isn’t the only talent that the Pacers can call on. Myles Turner is proving to be a dependable scorer, while Bennedict Mathurin continues to grow.

Los Angeles Clippers (2023 Record: 44-38)

Between Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, you’ve already got three elite players. If there is one possible problem for the Clippers, it’s health, something that Leonard has especially had difficulty with. Should they be able to overcome that issue, this is a team that can create serious problems for opponents.

Los Angeles Lakers (2023 Record: 43-39)

It goes without saying that LeBron James and Anthony Davis still very much rule the roost in LA. Where James is concerned, he averaged 28.9 points on 22.2 field goal attempts per game last season, however, at 39 years old it may just be that those numbers are about to start decreasing. Quite frankly, they already have. That’s where exciting talents like Reaves and Hachimura will be key.

Memphis Grizzlies (2023 Record: 51-31)

While he will still have to serve his 25-game suspension, Ja Morant is the Grizzlies’ best player and so will understandably be in the lineup once he’s available. It is of course a major blow to the team’s ambitions, however, there is a silver lining in the arrival of former Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. The former Celtics star will be joining another defensive juggernaut in the form of Jaren Jackson Jr.

Miami Heat (2023 Record: 44-38)

After an offseason in which they lost Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, while failing to land their long term target Damian Lillard, it’s hard to feel a little sympathy for last year’s finalists. At this point, they are lacking in just about every department that counts, which is to say there could be tough times ahead for Jimmy Butler and Co.

Milwaukee Bucks (2023 Record: 58-24)

The Bucks now possess the NBA’s best duo: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Following the blockbuster arrival of the latter, it’s not hard to understand why the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the favourites to win the title this year.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2023 Record: 42-40)

Anthony Edwards is coming off an incredible summer at the FIBA World Cup. Though it’s true that Team USA failed to win it all, it’s plain to see that a star was born. Add to that the defensive nightmare that is Jaden McDaniels and you’ve got yourself a recipe for success.

New Orleans Pelicans (2023 Record: 42-40)

Health is a major concern for the Pelicans. Firstly, there is Trey Murphy III who partially tore his meniscus in early September, and will subsequently be out for at least 10 to 12 weeks. Then we’ve got Zion Williamson. Regarded as a prodigy out of Duke, Williamson has played 114 of 308 possible regular season games due to injury. The irony is, that it appears to be his physique itself, a victim of his own capacity one could say. When you add to that the fact that the Western Conference is absolutely loaded, prospects don’t look good.

New York Knicks (2023 Record: 47-35)

It’s all about Jalen Brunson in New York, but Julius Randle is equally capable of putting serious numbers on the board. Last but not least, you’ve got RJ Barret who rounds the impressive trio. After that, there is an abundance of assets in the ‘Big Apple.’

Oklahoma City (2023 Record: 40-42)

‘Unstoppable’ is the word that comes to mind when describing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his career-high of 31.4 points per game on 62.2% shooting only serves to backup that claim. With Chet Holmgren set to return from injury, this is likely a team that is going to make a decent run.

Orlando Magic (2023 Record: 34-48)

We know that Paolo Banchero can play. Now, it’s more a question of where is his ceiling. With Franz Wagner now part of the set up, it looks like Banchero will have a little more freedom to work on his game. Assuming that happens, this could be an interesting team to watch.

Philadelphia 76ers (2023 Record: 54-28)

The winner of the scoring title for the last two consecutive seasons, Joel Embiid, is a force of nature and is surrounded by enough talent that one has to ask how the 76ers haven’t come close to winning a title in his time with the team. Of course, it’s not just about the Cameroonian which brings us to James Harden. The former MVP’s future in Philly remains in limbo which makes any suggested lineup quite uncertain at this time.

Phoenix Suns (2023 Record: 45-37)

With Chris Paul gone and Bradley Beal now on the roster, Devin Booker is officially the Suns’ No. 1 point guard and it may be that the team will be better for it. That’s before we touch on the presence of former MVP and NBA champion Kevin Durant, and the established scorer that is Jusuf Nurkic.

Portland Trail Blazers (2023 Record: 33-49)

Scoot Henderson continues to impress and quite frankly, will be there at the end when the Rookie of the Year award is handed out. With Damian Lillard now in Milwaukee, Henderson will be given free rein as Portland attempts to rebuild, and something tells us he’s going to embrace that fully.

Sacramento Kings (2023 Record: 48-34)

Domantas Sabonis led the league with 12.3 rebounds and 21.6 rebound chances per game last season. Yet, the guy we really want to talk about is De’Aaron Fox. With his 25.0 points and 6.1 assists per game, Fox proved last season that he can play with the best of them as he orchestrated the team’s first playoff appearance in 16 years.

San Antonio Spurs (2023 Record: 22-60)

Widely considered the best prospect we’ve seen in NBA history, Victor Wembanyama is a 7′4″ tall French prodigy who has an 8′0″ wingspan, dribbles like a point guard, can shoot, pass, and of course defend the rim like it belongs to him. Given that the Spurs lack depth, one of the biggest challenges to this rebuilding team will be health.

Toronto Raptors (2023 Record: 41-41)

Scottie Barnes is an interesting player and one who could foreseeably break the 20-point mark on a consistent basis. With Fred VanVleet now in Houston, much of Toronto’s playmaking will fall on Barnes, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If Pascal Siakam’s future can be sorted out quickly, the Raptors may be able to improve.

Utah Jazz (2023 Record: 37-45)

The biggest asset for the Jazz has got to be Walker Kessler. The big man has been immense when it comes to ring protection. Indeed, he ranked fourth in rim contests per 75 possessions, second in blocks per 75 possessions, and fifth in block rate on contests, and did so in his first year in the league.

Washington Wizards (2023 Record: 35-47)

In Jordan Poole, the Wizards got a talented scorer and in them, the former Warriors star got his heart’s desire which is more offensive freedom. It will be interesting to see how he pairs up with Kyle Kuzuma as the Wizards look to build a winning dynamic.