The Boston Celtics are probably not as dinged up as the injury report might suggest. But the Celtics’ need for rest heading into the thick of the stretch run is very real. As is the relatively poor record of the Portland Trail Blazers, making the contest on Monday night an opportune moment to sneak in some rest for some of their core players on the tail end of their West Coast swing.
We don’t expect Portland to have much of a chance in this game. And judging by how the team’s front office has structured their roster and managed its players’ rest as well, we don’t think the team’s execs will mind all that much.
But as is always the case for whatever players take the floor, a loss is always on the table if one does not respect their opponent in the NBA.