Brad Stevens discusses ‘fine line’ of potentially resting Kyrie Irving

The Boston Celtics are still fighting for playoff positioning, but they’re also considering whether it’s possible to give star guard Kyrie Irving a rest here and there down the stretch.

Coach Brad Stevens didn’t rule out some so-called load management for Irving down the stretch, but acknowledged that he was walking a “fine line” in making the decision.

Brad Stevens on potential of resting Kyrie some before playoffs:

"It’s a fine line because of where we are, positioning and everything else. But, at the same time, I think playing well and health, if you can be doing both going into the playoffs, that’s a pretty good thing.”

— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) March 20, 2019

Though things have improved some lately, Irving might be able to use a brief mental break as much as the physical one. The Celtics currently sit fifth in the East, a comfortable 6.5 games ahead of the Detroit Pistons but just a half-game behind the Indiana Pacers in fourth. It’s not an easy decision, but they may decide that home court isn’t quite as important as having Irving fresh.