How and when are the big four supposed to 'rest' before the playoffs?

[GreenEnvy]

We just need to have a better record than LA, then rest the guys as soon as that is determined.

I don't necessarily agree. Not because we can't win, but because of the matchups in the East. There is a fairly wide gap from the 7 seed (either a hot Philly team or a possibly dangerous NY team) and whoever sneaks in at 8. After that, the second round will most likely see Miami, which over a long series poses a larger threat than Orlando (or Atlanta) would.

We had an extremely difficult path last year, which we at times we made look like an easy one (sans game 3 against Cleveland). But eventually it wore is down between the travelling and the Perk injury. Any time you can start - and finish, if necessary - a series at home, you try to gain that luxury.

[pearljammer10]

i understand the whole "rest" thing... But come on, these guys get paid to play 82 games plus the post season. They should do exactly that.

[GreenEnvy]

i understand the whole "rest" thing... But come on, these guys get paid to play 82 games plus the post season. They should do exactly that.

Yeah, but at this point in the careers, they are getting paid to win championships. Ray Allen wasn't brought back at $10M/year to set the all-time 3pt record in February and spread the floor against the Bucks in March, he was brought in to sink daggers into the hearts of the Heat in May and the Lakers in June.

If they get some maintenance now to be fresher for the playoffs, I'm ok with it.

[jambr380]

I just don't like the way this is playing out. A few weeks ago, I thought how there was no way Boston would give up the number one seed. Their schedule was considerably easier than Chicago's. Since then, Boston has faultered and Chicago has essentially torched their tough stretch (except for the slip-up in Indiana. Now Chicago's schedule looks easier with us being by far their most difficult game.

Being so close to L.A. and Miami is also a little alarming - with games against San Antonio, Miami, and Chicago coming up, we really have to come to play or we could find ourselves in a very similar situation to last year, even with considerably more wins.

[GreenEnvy]

I just don't like the way this is playing out. A few weeks ago, I thought how there was no way Boston would give up the number one seed. Their schedule was considerably easier than Chicago's. Since then, Boston has faultered and Chicago has essentially torched their tough stretch (except for the slip-up in Indiana. Now Chicago's schedule looks easier with us being by far their most difficult game.

Being so close to L.A. and Miami is also a little alarming - with games against San Antonio, Miami, and Chicago coming up, we really have to come to play or we could find ourselves in a very similar situation to last year, even with considerably more wins.

Eh. SA might hold Duncan out past that game, which makes that game easier (on paper). Unless they go into a slump and hit a 4-game losing streak, they will be comfortably ahead of everyone for HCA. Losing to Boston twice at full-strength (after losing without KG earlier and probably one or both O'Neals out this time) will have a pretty big psychological advantage for the C's. Pop will play it safe and sacrifice this game if Duncan needs some time off. Or Duncan will be playing tomorrow, who knows with SA.

You know the C's will get up for Chicago and Miami, and both will be hard-fought games. Those two don't worry me as much as beating the other decent teams, the Memphis' and Charlotte's and Philly's left on the schedule.

[Neurotic Guy]

Best of all worlds is that the C's are able to cut down the Big 4 minutes, but still be in position to win games.   This means minutes from Shaq and JO need to happen with Baby taking some serious minutes off KGs plate.  Jeff and Delonte and Carlos need to also be playing well enough to give Paul, Ray and Rondo 15-20 minutes on the pine. I'm afraid we are likely to lose HCA to CHicago and LA (at least).  Too bad.  But I think the rest is essential, and the PT for the 2nd team should be helpful in the long run.

Remember that the other teams are also thinking about HCA v. rest.  It's true that older legs should mean more rest, but everyone is tired/hurt at this time of year (Rondo probably needs the rest more than the Big 3).   LA isn't exactly a youthful bunch either -- at some point they will be reluctant to play Pau and Kobe long minutes.  Chicago, I think, may be going all out for the #1 seed.  They probably need HCA, but fatigue and inexperience could be factors for them in the playoffs.

[Redz]

Best way is to play their best ball, blow the teams out that they're capable of doing so to, sit the starters for garbage time, get the bench more reps.

[barefacedmonk]

Best way is to play their best ball, blow the teams out that they're capable of doing so to, sit the starters for garbage time, get the bench more reps.

+1. I completely agree with this.

[Mazingerz]

JO and Shaq sure seem well rested IMHO

[mmbaby]

Come on, Pearljammer, you know it has nothing to do with how much they get paid. They are not robots and they are playing in an extremely physical sport (especially regarding the legs and feet). Would you like them to play injured until they pass out on the floor in a big heap of worthless mess and have their careers end this season due to playing while injured?
This isn't Sparta in ancient Greece! Come on, Buddy.

My great idea is to rest Rhondo. If Delonte can back him up as well as he has been, let's do it. Rest Rhondo. He has a long and shining career ahead of him and I don't think it would be wise to take the chance of his being damaged permanently. 

[Megatron]

They can rest when they win the title.

[Megatron]

Best way is to play their best ball, blow the teams out that they're capable of doing so to, sit the starters for garbage time, get the bench more reps.

I dont understand why this doesent happen more often. None of our Big 4 are as aggressive as they should be, and havent been for quite some time, and our bench looks clueless at times. We really need Shaq and JO back to be complete, the enforcing center is a huge part of this team, without it we are like a car with an empty gas tank.