Starting Lineup

Starting lineups are projected well in advance and confirmed late. The gap between those two states is where most lineup-driven value lives.

In the NBA, official lineups typically land around 30 minutes before tip-off. In MLB, starting pitchers are known days ahead but position-player lineups are usually posted a few hours before first pitch. NHL lines and starting goalies often firm up at morning skate.

Starting does not equal playing time. A starter on a minutes restriction can see less floor time than a backup, which is why lineup news is worth pairing with the injury report rather than read alone.