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NBA: Every Team’s Best Lineup, By The Numbers

By Nicholas Gonzalez

Jan 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers won 120-116. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers won 120-116. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA: Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
NBA: Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks /

Looking at advanced stats, some perpetual best lineups of an NBA team might be much different than you expected. Let’s take a look at the best one for every NBA team using Offensive Rating (ORTG) and Defensive Rating (DRTG)

Key:

Offensive Rating – ORTG

Defensive Rating – DRTG

Formula: This won’t be just flat out off of ORTG/DRTG. Factors of minutes played together and time overall spent on the court will also play a part into the decision.

With that understood, let’s get to every NBA team’s best statistical lineups.

Atlanta Hawks

Lineup: T. Hardaway Jr., D. Howard, P. Millsap, D. Schroder, T. Sefolosha

ORTG: 120.5 DRTG: 92.9

This lineup is actually something I could imagine being their best lineup, unlike some other teams. Both Thabo and Millsap are superb defenders, and Howard still does a great job down low.

Schroder and Hardaway both can score at very solid efficiency and Millsap is a very underrated scorer. I can definitely understand why this would be the best lineup.

Boston Celtics

Lineup: A. Bradley, J. Crowder, A. Horford, K. Olynyk, I. Thomas

ORTG: 124.8 DRTG: 101.9

Surprisingly, the lineup with the lowest DRTG, even if it is only 52 minutes played has Isaiah Thomas in it. Having the tandem of Bradley/Horford/Crowder in there though is no surprise because all three are excellent defenders, especially Avery.

The offensive rating really surprises me though with Olynk in there. I assume it is because his ability to stretch the floor.

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