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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.
Irving plans to miss a game or 2 for rest, and made it clear where seeding ranks in importance. "As long as we get in there. I don’t think our focus is in seeding, that’s pretty clear. As long as we get there, I’m happy."
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) March 20, 2019
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.
The NBA announced the following clinching scenarios for today:
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 20, 2019
MIL- clinches Central Division with a win (not that division really matters anymore!)
IND- clinches a playoff spot with a loss by either Miami or Orlando
BOS- clinches a playoff spot with a win and an Orlando loss
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.