Mavericks coach Jason Kidd gives insight into starting lineup plans for season

Going into the preseason, the Dallas Mavericks had three spots in the starting lineup confirmed for the regular season.

The other two spots were "up for grabs" according to Mavs head coach Jason Kidd.

After three preseason games, Kidd gave some insight into the possible lineup that fans could be seeing once the regular season starts on October 25.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd gives insight into starting lineup plans for season

The three confirmed starters heading into preseason were Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Grant Williams. To start the preseason, Kidd tested out starting the rookies next to the starters.

Both Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper were in the starting lineup for the opening game in Abu Dhabi. One of the rookies has maintained his place in the starting lineup, while the other has moved to a bench role.

The first of the two is Lively II. He has been a great fit in the starting lineup, showing his ability to block shots, catch lobs, and crash the glass. Lively II's play hasn't been perfect, but it has undoubtedly been better than the play of Richaun Holmes and Dwight Powell.

In a media availability after the Mavs' game against Real Madrid, Kidd talked about how Lively II has been playing so far with the first unit.

"He's doing extremely well starting with the starters," Kidd said. "He's doing everything to start."

Kidd didn't guarantee that Lively II would start, but all signs are pointing to him starting. He plays great next to Luka and protects the rim. Dallas' other favorite to start at center, Powell, isn't a good rim protector and hasn't played the best since the start of preseason.

This starting spot is "his (Lively II's) for the taking," according to Marc Stein's appearance on the Bally Sports Southwest broadcast.

Prosper, on the other hand, is clearly not ready to start in the NBA and is best suited for a limited bench role to start his NBA career. He started in the first game, played 20 minutes in the second game, and played 12 minutes in the third game.

"We're probably going to bring O Max (Olivier-Maxence Prosper) off the bench if the season was to start tomorrow," Kidd said.

With these recent updates from Kidd, one can assume that the starting lineup on opening night in San Antonio will likely be Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Grant Williams, and Dereck Lively II. The only "confirmed" starters are Doncic, Irving, and Williams, but with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Prosper both coming off the bench, that leaves the starting wing spot to Green.

Lively II has also proved that he is the best center on the team, and that should propel him into the starting center spot.

We'll have you covered with all the latest news on the Dallas Mavericks this season, so stay tuned.