In a recent mailbag column, Brian Robb of MassLive shared his projection for the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup on opening night, assuming the team’s roster remains largely unchanged before the season begins.
He believes Neemias Queta is poised to secure the starting center position, marking an important role for him within the Celtics’ frontcourt.
As it stands, only two players – Jaylen Brown and Derrick White – are definite locks in the starting five, providing a solid foundation for the lineup.
However, the other two starting spots appear to be wide open and will likely be determined by the coaching staff’s decisions based on performance, fit, and strategic considerations.
Specifically, Robb expects a battle for one of those slots between guards Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons, both of whom bring different skill sets and strengths to the backcourt.
On the forward side, the competition seems to be between Sam Hauser and Georges Niang, both known for their shooting and versatility, as potential starters.
Additionally, there is an intriguing possibility that Josh Minott could become a surprise candidate for one of these starting roles, adding a wildcard factor to the mix.
Overall, the final makeup of the Celtics’ starting lineup beyond Brown, White, and Queta is still very much up in the air and could depend on how the team’s dynamics evolve during training camp and preseason games.
