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.
