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Expect Kyrie Irving to miss games for rest before the playoffs

The Celtics’ star guard is much less concerned about seeding that he is about securing a spot in the NBA postseason.

NBA: All Star-Media Day Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

As the Boston Celtics rattle into the regular season home stretch, expect a couple of DNP-Rests for the Celtics star guard, Kyrie Irving, per himself. Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald had the quote.

Of the many moments that Irving has touched off waves of speculation and arguments about his future during media availability, today’s announcement rates as fairly innocuous. There are 11 games left in the regular season. Given how hard these Celtics have needed work to hang tough in the fifth spot in the East, a little rest could go a long way for Irving, who despite some cold quarters, is still having quite a year averaging 23.7 PPG, 7.1 AST, and 5.1 REB—the latter two lines are career-highs.

Irving’s planned absences may arrive soon if Boston can send the Philadelphia 76ers packing again tonight. The Celtics are on the brink of clinching a playoff spot per Keith P. Smith.

Boston is 3-0 against Philly this year, including the post-trade deadline behemoth that added Tobias Harris to an already formidable starting five. The Celtics can put a 4-0 sweep of Philly in the books and even earn some playoff peace of mind if the New Orleans Pelicans can also run away with a road win in Orlando tonight.

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