The time in the NBA season has come when teams choose to rest their starters in anticipation of the postseason. The Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors have begun the trend, resting nearly their entire starting lineups in games that were not "must wins."
The Grizzlies rested Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen against the Washington Wizards at the end of last week. The Griz hung tough, but the reserves could not keep up and got blown out by the Wizards 107-87. Even with an injured Mike Conley, they remain in second place in the Western Conference, clinging to a one-game lead over the Portland Trail Blazers. The starters returned to the lineup Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks and were able to rebound with a 96-83 victory. Still over six games behind the Warriors for the top seed in the West, don't expect the Grizzlies to continue to rest their starters while Conley remains unhealthy.
The San Antonio Spurs were most noted for resting key players last season and were even amid controversy for doing so. However, the controversy took place earlier in the season under different circumstances. Now, with the season winding down, it is appropriate for teams to rest starters in an effort to conserve for the playoffs. Any player with an injury-however slight-is likely to be held out of the lineup until his return is absolutely necessary. While it pains fans to watch games that are ultimately insignificant without key players, the strategizing done by teams at the end of the regular season more often than not gives them an advantage come playoffs. The teams that can afford to give their starters rest, which is crucial during a grueling 82-game season, are much better off than teams that need to rely on their starters to get into a prime position to contend for an NBA Title.
The Spurs are, again, the prime example. Last season, Gregg Popovich managed his team to perfection during the regular season. He has an incredibly deep bench to thank for that, as the Spurs were able to lock up the top seed in the West and ultimately won the NBA Finals after their second trip in as many years. This season, the story is a bit different for the Spurs, who are currently the sixth-best team in a beastly Western Conference. Old age has certainly been a factor, but tougher competition has played a bigger role in the defending champs' quest to return to the top of the NBA world.
Ultimately, it is the coach's decision to pick and choose which games are opportune times to rest starters. And when seeding is very critical, most teams do not want to surrender any winnable games to other competitors.
The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors are currently the only teams in the NBA to have clinched a playoff berth. The Hawks were the first to do so and, thus, have the biggest luxury when it comes to resting starters. Especially considering they are a comfortable ten games ahead of the pack in the Eastern Conference. It is a gamble that could affect the chemistry of the starting core, but also allows key players to get healthy and well-rested prior to embarking on the playoff grind. Simultaneously, reserve players can prepare themselves for the playoff grind. Certain bench players emerge at this time of the season and can play a deciding factor in their teams' success moving forward.
Both, the Hawks and Warriors, have two of the strongest benches in the league and, thus, are in the best position when it comes to resting starters. Not only are both teams in first place in their respective conferences, but also have comfortable leads. But while rest is key, the idea of playing the lowest remaining seed in the playoffs may fuel starters to returning to the hardwood night in and night out.