Ime Udoka says he'll start his first season as Boston Celtics head coach with a set starting lineup. Udoka indicated that he's not a fan of "plug-in" starting groups based on matchups.

Udoka did caution not to read too much into who opens games for Boston in the preseason. He indicated that the Celtics will do some mixing and matching with lineups to find what groups work together.

Most consider Boston to have three set starters with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. Udoka has said he'll consider opening games with a bigger group that features Al Horford and Robert Williams. There has been speculation about the Celtics starting offseason acquisition Josh Richardson or Dennis Schroder. Some think Boston may look at putting second-year players Aaron Nesmith or Payton Pritchard in the opening group.