LeBron James suggested he may rest for the next two games, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. The news came after the Cavaliers clinched the Central Division title and could have implications for the bottom half of the playoff picture in the East.
LeBron James could rest next 2 games, which is a big boost to Boston’s playoff hopes
The Celtics are facing the Cavaliers in their next two games and could benefit from James resting for the playoffs.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Currently the Celtics and Nets are slated to make the postseason, but the Pacers and Heat are just one game back with four to go. The Celtics' spot seemed to be up for the taking going into the final stretch, as their next two games were going to pit them against Cleveland, the hottest team in the East. If LeBron in fact rests for those two matchups, though, the Celtics have a much better chance of surviving the toughest stretch left in their schedule while still holding on to a playoff spot.
It's hard to overstate how big an impact James' presence has on the Cavaliers' play. They outscore teams by almost 10 points per 100 possession with him on the court and get outscored by over five points when he is resting. Cleveland is just 2-9 when James doesn't play. James has been particularly stellar against the Celtics, averaging 34 points and six assists in two Cavalier wins. As long as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love play, Boston will be considered the underdog, but it's undeniable the Celtics' chances will improve dramatically if LeBron sits.
If the Celtics do win both games, they will get very close to securing the No. 7 spot in the East, which would coincidentally mean a date with the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. While the teams fighting with Boston for a place in the postseason will surely be unhappy with James’ decision if he in fact misses the two matchups, it makes a lot of sense for Cleveland to give him time off now considering they have clinched the second seed in the East.
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