Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas are going to play the same number of playoff games

The Celtics announced Kyrie Irving, who had a “minimally invasive” procedure on his knee a few weeks ago, is done for the season, playoffs included. Irving’s knee has been at issue since last summer; in fact, he reportedly threatened to have knee surgery during the season if the Cavaliers didn’t accede to his trade request.

The problem now is that said minimally invasive procedure revealed an infection that required a deeper dive. Good thing it was caught when it was, if nothing else.

So now Irving and Isaiah Thomas — the two centerpieces of that summer blockbuster — will play exactly zero playoff games apiece. Jae Crowder found his way to the Jazz at the deadline, and so he’ll be in. Ante Zizic isn’t in the Cavaliers’ rotation.

Here’s a theory to chew on: this has the potential to be the new Dwight Howard-Andrew Bynum trade. That blockbuster shuffled like 15 players and picks between four teams, but the main pieces — Howard, Bynum, and Andre Iguodala — did something like nothing for the teams that landed them. Iguodala ended up having the most long-term impact for a team uninvolved in the swap — is that Crowder in this analogy? Is Zizic going to turn into Nikola Vucevic? Is the Nets’ pick that the Cavs now have going to be the Dario Saric of this exercise? It’s all fascinating to consider.

Time, like this Earth, is a flat circle.

The Wizards missed a golden opportunity, and so did the Bucks, and so did the Timberwolves.

GSW 106, IND 126
WAS 115, CLE 119
POR 94, HOU 96
BKN 119, MIL 111
LAC 95, UTA 117
MIN 96, DEN 100

Paul Flannery went to Portland and came back to tell us how Damian Lillard and the Rose City are perfect for each other. Wonderful piece.

Jeff Clark on the Celtics’ season that never was. In related news, here are Boston’s options to adjust the playoff roster.

Reggie Jackson might save Stan Van Gundy’s job as coach and end his reign as president of basketball operations.

The Cavaliers still can’t defend. Does it even matter?

FRED VANVLEET SEASON.

More dance cam in Houston. This time, an awesome usher!

Nice Chris Haynes piece on the vital Will Barton.

Devin Booker says the Suns will be very active in the offseason, which is interesting. Few teams have more movable assets and a bigger mandate to improve.

Michael Pina talked to Jonathan Isaac about, among other things, the ways in which NBA defense is easier than anticipated.

Kobe Bryant on basketball fans and the women’s game.

Be excellent to each other.