yamaneko

Today or soon the Clippers will clinch a playoff berth. Soon they might clinch at least the 6th spot. When that happens, what do you do. Do you start to rest some of the guys for the playoffs (not bench them, but limit their minutes), such as Brand and Mobley especially who seem to be tired and not hitting shots they used to? Cassell who is old? Kaman to give Rebraca, Baker, and ndong time to see who needs to be on the playoff roster?

OR

Do you go for a push to get the "momentum" to start the playoffs...play everyone the same even if it might not make a difference in the standings or seedings, just to be able to have "good vibes" going into the first round?

Ive heard both arguments, just wondering what you guys think.

Personally, im not sure. Some Clippers obviously need some rest...then again, we dont want to go into the playoffs loosing 3 of 4 or something like that.

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08-09 Clippers - A Thomas/Mobley trade for a star on the cheap away from a championship

squeemu

Well, the Clippers still have to win 2 to clinch the playoffs, and probably have to win a few more than that to clinch the 6th spot. Considering that there are only 9 games left, they probably won't clinch the 6th spot until after 5 or 6 games (just a wild guess, but it seems accurate to me). That would only leave 3 games left and it would seem that playing those games wouldn't make players that much more tired, and momentum really is a good thing to have going into the playoffs.

The main risk would be if a player were to get injured playing in a game that doesn't matter, but I say that the Clippers should just go for the best record possible because let's be honest, they're not going to go all the way in the playoffs. What they will be remembered for best this year will be their regular season record. The more wins this season will give them more confidence and more credibility to start out the next season. It'll be that season or later that they start making a huge push in the playoffs. I say just go for it.

jcwla

I think you do whatever it takes to stay in 6 and keep home court over Denver. That is the only alignment of stars for us to have a chance to win a playoff series.

qross1fan

Momentum, I don't care who we play if the team goes into the playoffs looking like a team and on a 3 game win streak at least. If they want to drop to 6th, that may mean blowing games and that may be something they get used too. A winning mentality with momentum, along with health, may be the best combination to go into the playoffs with.

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Q's Teams:
Los Angeles Clippers: 0-0
Los Angeles Galaxy: 7-12-8
Green Bay Packers: 2-3
Detroit Red Wings: 0-0-0
UCLA Football: 2-3
UCLA Basketball: 35-4
Atlanta Braves: 72-90
Birmingham Patriots Football[HS]: 1-4
Combined Record: 119-116-8

Free Arsenal

I like rest.

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Davis Davis Davis Davis

leidout

Clinch at least the 6th spot and rest everyone after that, Denver can battle for their own homecourt if they want, we'll still beat 'em without homecourt advantage.

Denver is the easiest opponent for sure, but the only team in the playoffs I don't honestly think the Clips can beat in a 7-game series is San Antonio.

Weasel

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jcwla

Momentum and a dollar would get us a cup of coffee and MAYBE one win if we're lucky against the Mavs.
Do whatever you need to finish 6th with home court, from there be as rested, etc. as you can.
IMHO.

Kapt Clipper

i'd say mojo workin...i would want to go into the playoffs full throttle...confident and hungry...if we can get a couple of blowout games (eg portland), rest eb, sam, and whoever else may be banged up (cat, mags,qross) and give pt to the ewing, singleton, and z...i would want rad and livy to play a lot just to keep rad's shooting stroke going and learn more of the offense and to give livy confidence in his improving game esp scoring and defense...let's get it on!!!

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DaFranchise

First clinch the 6th and then rest EB, CAT, and Sam. I agree u got to keep Radman playing because he still is learning the offense and to keep his shooting stroke going. This team has some nice depth and are gaining big confidence. Im so damn excited, here come the PLAYOFFS!!