After a great success against the Bulls, the Sixers continue to be able to claim to steal second place in the East from the Celtics. However, this is not the main objective of the team’s coach, Doc Rivers. The man wants to put the health of his major players before everything else, and does not rule out resting them as much as necessary before the Playoffs. The experience?
This is a decision that should only cause half a smile on the side of the NBA offices, which often expresses itself to show its annoyance with the principle of load management. This practice, which consists of not involving certain important players in end-of-season regular games, is actually not very good for business. Sportingly, however, it is an interesting operation, since being able to arrive at the beginning of April with fresh leaders and well in their shoes is an advantage which can prove to be decisive.
All this, Doc Rivers has grasped. After the match between his team and the Bulls, he thus declared that the place of dolphin in the East would absolutely not be a priority in comparison with the rest which his stars need. We are talking here about Joel Embiid and James Harden, but also about PJ Tucker, a real defensive asset for Philadelphia. His credo? Having injuries is too penalizing once spring comes.
“We went to the Playoffs two years in a row with injuries. And we all know we’re not going to win the playoffs if our key guys aren’t in good shape. Dot” – Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers has just spoken very clearly about the intentions of the Sixers: health above all.
Philadelphia will force NOTHING to be Top 2 in the East, if it is necessary to rest Harden, Embiid and Tucker over the next three weeks, it will be done.
Wise decision, must be 100%.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) March 23, 2023
With ten games remaining, the Sixers therefore risk not forcing anything. A wise decision, which also raises the question of the length of the seasons. In the background, the debate on the need or not to have regulars so consistent which often forces coaches to spare the big players during the last weeks. In any case, Doc Rivers made his choice.
Source : SixersWire, USA Today