What Lineups Should Be Used More Often?
Some teams are out of the playoff picture, but playing certain lineups more could lead to success.
Hello everyone, Happy New Year! It's been a while since I last posted anything - around a month, to be exact. I took a break to spend time with my daughter over the holidays. Unfortunately, I caught a new strain of flu which slowed me down and delayed my content release. But I'm back now, and let's get back on track.
As we're midway through the season, each team has played at least close to half of their games. There have been numerous injuries around the league which have impacted some teams negatively. Teams such as Portland, Detroit, and Charlotte are struggling to keep up with the leaders. In this new series of articles, I'll be discussing some lineups that these teams should use more often, which have proven to be successful in the games that have been played so far this season.
I'll be sharing some data to provide context on who should play more based on their success rates. This will be a three-part series, so stay tuned for more updates.
So in this edition, let’s take a look at the Charlotte Hornets:
The Charlotte Hornets have encountered a significant challenge in the form of injuries throughout the season. As an avid observer of their games, I have witnessed that nearly every game has been marred by an injury to one or more players. Head Coach Steve Clifford has been compelled to employ 19 different players and 17 distinct starting lineups in the 38 games played thus far. Only one starting lineup has been consistently used for at least six games.
Consequently, the concern expressed by the team's supporters regarding the issue of consistency is a valid and pragmatic one. However, upon scrutinizing the data, a lineup that has demonstrated success throughout the season can be identified and utilized more frequently.
5 Man Group
Terry Rozier, Nick Smith Jr, Bryce McGowens, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington (Only 31 Possessions played together)
This particular unit has shown a positive point difference throughout the season. Among the 28 different combinations that have played at least 30 possessions together, this unit has performed the best by far. It is one of only 5 lineups that have a positive point differential per 100 possessions.
This unit on Offense is a:
+19.2 scoring differential
122.6 points scored per 100 possessions
An effective Field Percentage (eFG%) of 66% and shooting 52% from the floor
7 for 15 from Beyond the Arc (46.7%)
They grab 25% of the offensive rebounds and take 20 free throws per 100 field goal attempts (the League Average is 17.7 per 100).
This particular defensive unit is the second-best on the team, despite not having starting center Mark Williams playing in the center position. The group has an impressive track record of allowing only 46.3% effective field goal percentage and limiting offensive rebounds to a mere 11.8%. Their defensive rating of 103.3 points per 100 possessions is the second-best on the roster. These stats were provided by CleaningTheGlass.com.
This unit has only been used in three games so far this season, all of which were road games against the Clippers, Lakers, and Suns. They have played together for a total of 16 minutes. Despite their low PACE numbers (93.85, while the team average is 98.2), they are one of the most efficient and effective groups that coach Clifford has used this season.
Clifford has been utilizing this lineup to begin the second and fourth quarters on the recent West Coast road trip. This has allowed rookie Smith Jr. to showcase his offensive scoring skills. The young player from Arkansas has been excellent, shooting an impressive 75% (6 for 8) from the floor, and displaying remarkable long-range accuracy by going 4 for 6 from beyond the arc.