To rest them for the playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers will not play Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, March 31.
The Los Angeles Clippers are locked into the 4th seed in the Western Conference right now, eagerly awaiting Blake Griffin‘s expected return on April 3 and looking toward the playoffs as they ride a four-game win streak. It’s clear that head coach Doc Rivers is solely focused on the playoffs too, as it’s been reported that the Clippers will rest stars Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, March 31.
In fact, to further the rest of the team’s top two available players, J.J. Redick will be out for rest, too.
Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times has reported the decision, leaving Paul, Jordan and Redick some time to recuperate against one of the toughest teams in the NBA.
The Clippers will rest Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and DeAndre Jordan tomorrow night against the Thunder, sources.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) March 31, 2016
When looking forward to the playoffs, this decision makes sense for Doc Rivers. The signature Gregg Popovich strategy of resting key players throughout the season isn’t something any other coach employs to quite the same extent, limiting everyone to around 30 minutes or less and maintaining good energy levels throughout the season. But for a coach like Doc, who has young, athletic stars that he wants to rely on, it’s habit that the likes of Paul, Jordan and Griffin average around 35 minutes a night.
With the postseason right around the corner, though, adding extra rest is a strategy that Doc should rightfully follow.
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At 47-27, the Clippers are firmly in 4th place in the West, essentially guaranteeing that seeding for the playoffs unless there’s a dramatic turn of events. They’re currently five wins behind the 3rd seed Thunder (52-23) and six wins ahead of the 5th seed Memphis Grizzlies (41-34), placing the Clippers in an almost untouchable position between the two with just nine games left.
With this in mind, why not sit key players more so they’re better rested for the playoffs? Seeing as the 4th seed is essentially guaranteed at this point, the Clippers might as well play for the playoffs and just focus on preparing for their likely first round matchup against the Grizzlies.
Plus, after Jordan and Paul in particular have carried an extra load in the absence of Griffin, they’ve earned some rest now.
As for this matchup against the Thunder, the Clippers are without doubt setting themselves up for a loss by going without their four best players. Griffin is obviously still absent for a few more days, and no Paul, Jordan or Redick gives OKC and their thunderous duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook a huge advantage.
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It will surely be another loss for the Clippers, one that could really emphasize how much of a liability the bench can be at times. By taking away three starters and ridding themselves of so much talent and any real depth, it’s clear Doc isn’t worried about pursuing a win in this contest.