LA Clippers: 3 things Tyronn Lue needs to do before the playoffs

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: Coach Tyronn Lue and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers on the sideline during the second half of the game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on April 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The LA Clippers may have finally clinched a playoff spot but that doesn’t mean there is not work still to be done. Seeding still remains undecided and while that probably doesn’t matter a ton to this team, they are going to have to be prepared for whoever they face in the first round. Enter head coach Tyronn Lue.

Ty has been known to tinker but with just seven games left on the schedule, he needs to cement some decisions and get the team ready for the postseason.

Here are three things Tyronn Lue must decide before the LA Clippers enter the playoffs.

1. Can Tyronn Lue buy any of the LA Clippers rest?

While certain guys such as Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris, and Nicolas Batum have been able to sit out games for rest, others on the team have not and could probably use it.

The biggest candidate for that has to be Ivica Zubac who has not missed a game this season. Ty has noted that Zubac refused a rest game recently so is there any way he can get the big man some breaks?

Obviously, the best-case scenario to pull that off would be the return of Serge Ibaka. We saw Ty not put Zubac back in during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s loss to the Nuggets and while the team did lose, Zu did get a break.

If Serge is able to return and Ty begins to play him into shape, Zu can catch some rest while DeMarcus Cousins spells Ibaka. Sure, he might not sit out a whole game but catching minutes here and there would be beneficial in the long run.

We also have to figure that PG and Kawhi will get more games off in this final stint, especially considering it’s nearly impossible for them to drop any lower than their current fourth seed. The team does need to get on the court chemistry built up before the playoffs but having the stars healthy and ready to go might be just a tad more important.