NBA Top 10 Starting Lineups: #10 – #7
#10: Denver Nuggets
Starting Lineup: Jamal Murray (PG), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG), Michael Porter Jr. (SF), Aaron Gordon (PF), Nikola Jokic (C)
The Denver Nuggets are finally getting their core of Jokic, Murray, and Porter back together this season. Murray was out of all of the 2021-22 season, and Porter missed a big chunk of the season. Jokic won his second MVP, but he couldn’t bring this team out of the first round. With Murray and Porter back, they should have a better record than last year. They are currently ranked here due to Murray and Porter coming back after missing time. The Nuggets will have to work on team chemistry in order to maximize the lineup.
#9: Cleveland Cavaliers
Starting Lineup: Darius Garland (PG), Donovan Mitchell (SG), Isaac Okoro (SF). Evan Mobley (PF), Jarrett Allen (C)
The Cleveland Cavaliers made large strides in their rebuild. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen made the All-Star Game and Evan Mobley was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year. They made the play-in but didn’t make it into the playoffs. Not only is Evan Mobley expected to make a jump, but the Cavs made a deal to get Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell. With a big three of Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley, the Cavs have a chance to be contenders in the East. With amazing defense in the front court and strong offense in the backcourt, they are set up to get to the playoffs. Unfortunately with them just getting together, this is where they land.
#8: Phoenix Suns
Starting Lineup: Chris Paul (PG), Devin Booker (SG), Mikal Bridges (SF), Jae Crowder (PF), Deandre Ayton (C)
The Phoenix Suns were the first seed in the West last season and are looking to get back to that. Unfortunately, they lost in game seven against the Dallas Mavericks. During the offseason, the Suns had to deal with some drama between them and Deandre Ayton. They were able to bring him back, but there might still be tension between them during the season. They rank here for this reason.
#7: Minnesota Timberwolves
Starting Lineup: D’Angelo Russell (PG), Anthony Edwards (SG), Kyle Anderson (SF), Karl-Anthony Towns (PF), Rudy Gobert (C)
The Minnesota Timberwolves made large leaps last season. They made the playoffs for the first time in years and looked good. During the offseason, the Timberwolves made a blockbuster trade for Jazz star, Rudy Gobert. With the addition of Gobert, they are looking to improve their record and make it out of the first round. Anthony Edwards is expected to make a leap into a superstar role for the team. With these things in mind, they might be able to be a top three seed.