Ranking the 10 Best Starting Lineups in the NBA

PG: Ben Simmons

SG: Josh Richardson

SF: Tobias Harris

PF: Al Horford

C: Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers have the best overall starting lineup in the NBA. Both of the 76ers’ best players are generational talents with unique skill sets – Simmons is a 6’10 point guard with elite defense and playmaking while Embiid is a 7’0 center with a deadly perimeter game.

The 76ers have quality shooters in Richardson and Harris, while also having a versatile forward helping Embiid defend the paint in Horford. Altogether, these pieces form a formidable starting unit. It remains to be seen if Philly will keep Horford on the bench in favor of Shake Milton with a fully healthy squad when the NBA returns, but Horford’s presence is what would put the Sixers starting lineup over the top.

PG: Russell Westbrook

SG: James Harden

SF: Danuel House Jr.

PF: Robert Covington

C: PJ Tucker

The Houston Rockets have an interesting and rather unconventional starting five. In their 164 minutes together after the Capela-Covington trade, they outscored their opponents by 39 points. The Rockets’ two best players are two of the top 10 players in the NBA this season, which immediately makes them a huge threat to other teams.

Houston’s management has deliberately surrounded Harden and Westbrook with shooters to space the floor in House, Covington, and Tucker, with the latter two contributing substantially on the defensive end as well. With elite shooting and defense, the only weakness this lineup has lies within its size where they’re likely to get dominated on the boards every game. It’s a good thing their 3-point shooting usually makes up for it.

PG: Kemba Walker

SG: Jaylen Brown

SF: Gordon Hayward

PF: Jayson Tatum

C: Daniel Theis

The Boston Celtics don’t have much of a bench besides Marcus Smart which is why they’re so top-heavy, as they benefit from one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. However, this lineup has only played 17 games together because of nagging injuries throughout their roster during the season.

Kemba is one of the best Point Guards in the league, Brown and Tatum are athletic two-way wings, Hayward provides a decent scoring punch, and Theis is the primary rebounder and paint defender.

Brad Stevens has gotten everybody to know and accept their role, which is why this unit works so well together. If Boston’s bench was deeper, they would be a daunting force in the Eastern Conference.

PG: Damian Lillard

SG: CJ McCollum

SF: Trevor Ariza

PF: Carmelo Anthony

C: Hassan Whiteside

The Portland Trailblazers have one of the most complete starting units in the NBA now that they have Ariza & Melo at the Forward positions. Rodney Hood would be in there if he didn’t suffer an Achilles injury, but Ariza has been solid in his place. They’ve already played 229 mins together, outscoring opponents by 34 points.

Damian Lillard is top-five in PPG this year and is having the best season of his career. The 2016 Most Improved Player, CJ McCollum is one of the best shooting guards in the league, while Ariza and Anthony provide sharpshooting at the wing positions. To top it off, Whiteside is an elite paint defender, as can be seen by his league-leading 3.1 BPG.

PG: Lonzo Ball

SG: Jrue Holiday

SF: Brandom Ingram

PF: Zion Williamson

C: Derrick Favors

The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot to be hopeful for due to the massive potential of their starting lineup. Since Zion didn’t make his debut until January, they haven’t had much time to mesh together, but in their 17 games, they’ve outscored the opposing five by 129 points showing impressive production in a limited sample size.

In only his third year, Lonzo is already one of the best facilitators in the NBA and his chemistry with rookie standout Zion Williamson is close to flawless in just their first season playing together. Jrue Holiday is one of the best two-way guards in the league, while Ingram is having a breakthrough year with his first All-Star selection. Zion is a ROTY candidate, who is on his way to becoming an NBA superstar.

PG: Patrick Beverley

SG: Paul George

SF: Kawhi Leonard

PF: Marcus Morris

C: Ivica Zubac

The Los Angeles Clippers are arguably the best defensive team in the NBA this season. The Clipps average 116.2 PPG and hold their opponents to under 110 PPG. Equipped with All-Star talent in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have what some consider the best two-way wing duo since Jordan and Pippen in the 90’s.

The defensive prowess and tenacity of Beverley and Morris fill in the PG and PF spots, respectively. With Zubac protecting the paint, the Clippers have a defensively versatile starting unit with PG and Kawhi running the offense. It’s important to note that two of the top 6th Man of the Year candidates in the entire league are lurking on LA’s bench.

PG: Malcolm Brogdon

SG: Victor Oladipo

SF: TJ Warren

PF: Domantas Sabonis

C: Myles Turner

Indiana’s starting lineup is very well-balanced with Oladipo being the only player below a ‘B’ this season as he returns to form from his season-ending injury last year. Once the NBA returns and he’s over a year and a half removed from the injury, he could be back to his All-Star caliber ways.

Although Victor Oladipo only recently returned from injury, his presence along with Malcolm Brogdon already allows Indiana to have one of the most formidable two-way backcourts in the NBA. TJ Warren provides a scoring punch at the SF position, while first-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis helps clean up the paint alongside one of the elite defensive centers in the league in Myles Turner.

PG: Eric Bledsoe

SG: Wesley Matthews

SF: Khris Middleton

PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo

C: Brook Lopez

The Milwaukee Bucks might be the NBA’s best team but they most certainly don’t have the best starting unit in the league. While the metrics support Milwaukee as an elite starting five, it’s largely carried by the MVP favorite and these starting lineups are about ALL five starting players.

The guard spots are occupied by Eric Bledsoe’s athleticism and defense along with Wesley Matthews’ two-way capabilities. All-Star Khris Middleton employs his smooth isolation and mid-range game at SF while Brook Lopez serves as the primary paint protector and surprises defenses with his deep-range shooting ability.

At the helm of all this is of course the best Power Forward in the game, having a historic season yet again and on track to defend his MVP throne. The Greek Freak will need to continue his dominant ways to lead what would otherwise be a mediocre starting lineup.

PG: Kyle Lowry

SG: Fred VanVleet

SF: OG Anunoby

PF: Pascal Siakam

C: Marc Gasol

Even without Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in their starting lineup, the Toronto Raptors have sustained a considerable level of prosperity thanks to a strong starting lineup. Like a fine wine, Kyle Lowry has only gotten better with age and Fred VanVleet has been a pleasant surprise at the SG position.

The athletic OG Anunoby serves as a versatile perimeter defender for the Raptors, while former DPOY Marc Gasol anchors Toronto’s interior defense. Pascal Siakam rounds out this starting unit as a prominent Power Forward with his vast offensive arsenal and a clear commitment to keeping Toronto afloat in the Eastern Conference.

PG: Mike Conley

SG: Donovan Mitchell

SF: Bojan Bogdanovic

PF: Royce O’Neale

C: Rudy Gobert

The Jazz have one of the more experienced groups on this list with 382 minutes together but have only outscored opponents by 74 points so far. Although they are still trying to figure out how to optimize all their parts to work as one unit, the starting lineup has been successful in closing out games and has offensive and defensive firepower.

The Grizzlies’ all-time leader in career points, Mike Conley, serves as a veteran presence at PG. The forward spots are rounded out by the shooting of Bojan Bogdonavic and defense of Royce O’Neale. Unfortunately, Bogdonavic will be out until the 2020-21 season. Two-time reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert serves as the primary paint protector for Utah, while Donovan Mitchell attempts to lead the Jazz to victory with his athleticism and playmaking ability.

PG: Ben Simmons

SG: Josh Richardson

SF: Tobias Harris

PF: Al Horford

C: Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers have the best overall starting lineup in the NBA. Both of the 76ers’ best players are generational talents with unique skill sets – Simmons is a 6’10 point guard with elite defense and playmaking while Embiid is a 7’0 center with a deadly perimeter game.

The 76ers have quality shooters in Richardson and Harris, while also having a versatile forward helping Embiid defend the paint in Horford. Altogether, these pieces form a formidable starting unit. It remains to be seen if Philly will keep Horford on the bench in favor of Shake Milton with a fully healthy squad when the NBA returns, but Horford’s presence is what would put the Sixers starting lineup over the top.

PG: Russell Westbrook

SG: James Harden

SF: Danuel House Jr.

PF: Robert Covington

C: PJ Tucker

The Houston Rockets have an interesting and rather unconventional starting five. In their 164 minutes together after the Capela-Covington trade, they outscored their opponents by 39 points. The Rockets’ two best players are two of the top 10 players in the NBA this season, which immediately makes them a huge threat to other teams.

Houston’s management has deliberately surrounded Harden and Westbrook with shooters to space the floor in House, Covington, and Tucker, with the latter two contributing substantially on the defensive end as well. With elite shooting and defense, the only weakness this lineup has lies within its size where they’re likely to get dominated on the boards every game. It’s a good thing their 3-point shooting usually makes up for it.

PG: Kemba Walker

SG: Jaylen Brown

SF: Gordon Hayward

PF: Jayson Tatum

C: Daniel Theis

The Boston Celtics don’t have much of a bench besides Marcus Smart which is why they’re so top-heavy, as they benefit from one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. However, this lineup has only played 17 games together because of nagging injuries throughout their roster during the season.

Kemba is one of the best Point Guards in the league, Brown and Tatum are athletic two-way wings, Hayward provides a decent scoring punch, and Theis is the primary rebounder and paint defender.

Brad Stevens has gotten everybody to know and accept their role, which is why this unit works so well together. If Boston’s bench was deeper, they would be a daunting force in the Eastern Conference.

PG: Damian Lillard

SG: CJ McCollum

SF: Trevor Ariza

PF: Carmelo Anthony

C: Hassan Whiteside

The Portland Trailblazers have one of the most complete starting units in the NBA now that they have Ariza & Melo at the Forward positions. Rodney Hood would be in there if he didn’t suffer an Achilles injury, but Ariza has been solid in his place. They’ve already played 229 mins together, outscoring opponents by 34 points.

Damian Lillard is top-five in PPG this year and is having the best season of his career. The 2016 Most Improved Player, CJ McCollum is one of the best shooting guards in the league, while Ariza and Anthony provide sharpshooting at the wing positions. To top it off, Whiteside is an elite paint defender, as can be seen by his league-leading 3.1 BPG.

PG: Lonzo Ball

SG: Jrue Holiday

SF: Brandom Ingram

PF: Zion Williamson

C: Derrick Favors

The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot to be hopeful for due to the massive potential of their starting lineup. Since Zion didn’t make his debut until January, they haven’t had much time to mesh together, but in their 17 games, they’ve outscored the opposing five by 129 points showing impressive production in a limited sample size.

In only his third year, Lonzo is already one of the best facilitators in the NBA and his chemistry with rookie standout Zion Williamson is close to flawless in just their first season playing together. Jrue Holiday is one of the best two-way guards in the league, while Ingram is having a breakthrough year with his first All-Star selection. Zion is a ROTY candidate, who is on his way to becoming an NBA superstar.

PG: Patrick Beverley

SG: Paul George

SF: Kawhi Leonard

PF: Marcus Morris

C: Ivica Zubac

The Los Angeles Clippers are arguably the best defensive team in the NBA this season. The Clipps average 116.2 PPG and hold their opponents to under 110 PPG. Equipped with All-Star talent in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have what some consider the best two-way wing duo since Jordan and Pippen in the 90’s.

The defensive prowess and tenacity of Beverley and Morris fill in the PG and PF spots, respectively. With Zubac protecting the paint, the Clippers have a defensively versatile starting unit with PG and Kawhi running the offense. It’s important to note that two of the top 6th Man of the Year candidates in the entire league are lurking on LA’s bench.

PG: Malcolm Brogdon

SG: Victor Oladipo

SF: TJ Warren

PF: Domantas Sabonis

C: Myles Turner

Indiana’s starting lineup is very well-balanced with Oladipo being the only player below a ‘B’ this season as he returns to form from his season-ending injury last year. Once the NBA returns and he’s over a year and a half removed from the injury, he could be back to his All-Star caliber ways.

Although Victor Oladipo only recently returned from injury, his presence along with Malcolm Brogdon already allows Indiana to have one of the most formidable two-way backcourts in the NBA. TJ Warren provides a scoring punch at the SF position, while first-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis helps clean up the paint alongside one of the elite defensive centers in the league in Myles Turner.

PG: Eric Bledsoe

SG: Wesley Matthews

SF: Khris Middleton

PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo

C: Brook Lopez

The Milwaukee Bucks might be the NBA’s best team but they most certainly don’t have the best starting unit in the league. While the metrics support Milwaukee as an elite starting five, it’s largely carried by the MVP favorite and these starting lineups are about ALL five starting players.

The guard spots are occupied by Eric Bledsoe’s athleticism and defense along with Wesley Matthews’ two-way capabilities. All-Star Khris Middleton employs his smooth isolation and mid-range game at SF while Brook Lopez serves as the primary paint protector and surprises defenses with his deep-range shooting ability.

At the helm of all this is of course the best Power Forward in the game, having a historic season yet again and on track to defend his MVP throne. The Greek Freak will need to continue his dominant ways to lead what would otherwise be a mediocre starting lineup.

PG: Kyle Lowry

SG: Fred VanVleet

SF: OG Anunoby

PF: Pascal Siakam

C: Marc Gasol

Even without Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in their starting lineup, the Toronto Raptors have sustained a considerable level of prosperity thanks to a strong starting lineup. Like a fine wine, Kyle Lowry has only gotten better with age and Fred VanVleet has been a pleasant surprise at the SG position.

The athletic OG Anunoby serves as a versatile perimeter defender for the Raptors, while former DPOY Marc Gasol anchors Toronto’s interior defense. Pascal Siakam rounds out this starting unit as a prominent Power Forward with his vast offensive arsenal and a clear commitment to keeping Toronto afloat in the Eastern Conference.

PG: Mike Conley

SG: Donovan Mitchell

SF: Bojan Bogdanovic

PF: Royce O’Neale

C: Rudy Gobert

The Jazz have one of the more experienced groups on this list with 382 minutes together but have only outscored opponents by 74 points so far. Although they are still trying to figure out how to optimize all their parts to work as one unit, the starting lineup has been successful in closing out games and has offensive and defensive firepower.

The Grizzlies’ all-time leader in career points, Mike Conley, serves as a veteran presence at PG. The forward spots are rounded out by the shooting of Bojan Bogdonavic and defense of Royce O’Neale. Unfortunately, Bogdonavic will be out until the 2020-21 season. Two-time reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert serves as the primary paint protector for Utah, while Donovan Mitchell attempts to lead the Jazz to victory with his athleticism and playmaking ability.