The Philadelphia 76ers have two stars who need rest for different reasons.
It was announced over the weekend that Joel Embiid would miss the Philadelphia 76ers‘ three-game road trip for ‘load management’. The Sixers won the first game in his absence, riding Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons and Jonah Bolden to a win over Minnesota.
Now heading to Dallas, the Sixers will be without both Embiid and Jimmy Butler. The latter hurt his back early in Saturday’s win over the Timberwolves, colliding with Karl-Anthony Towns on a rebound in the first quarter. He finished the game, but is now listed out day-to-day with back tightness.
There’s no reason for extensive concern, as Butler would probably suit up in a more important game. The Sixers have the third seed on virtual lockdown, so there’s no harm in him missing a game in Dallas — especially with Luka Doncic doubtful to participate.
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It could end up serving a more important purpose — getting Butler more rest before the postseason. Albeit for different reasons, Butler needs rest in a similar manner to Embiid. Preservation, at this point, becomes paramount.
Butler is approaching 30 years old and has more miles on his tread than most players his age (thanks, Thibs). It has been abundantly clear this season that Butler can’t provide his trademarked hustle every night, as it’s simply detrimental to his long-term health. He needs to pick and choose his spots more carefully.
His ability to do so is aided by the presence of Embiid, Simmons and Harris, something the soon-to-be free agent should take into consideration. Even with Butler’s on-court load management, though, the Sixers should make a concerted effort to rest him down the stretch.
After Monday’s bout with Dallas, the Sixers have just five games remaining on the schedule. Only one game — Milwaukee at home on Thursday — is against a surefire playoff team. The other games include Atlanta, two battles with Chicago, and Miami. All winnable games with or without Butler.
The Sixers should inverse the rest schedule for Embiid and Butler. Once the former returns from his three-game break, Butler should hit the sidelines to finish the season. Delivering the Sixers’ best player and best closer to the postseason at 100 percent should be Brett Brown’s No.1 priority.
Some will make the chemistry argument, pinpointing the Sixers’ lack of defensive cohesion and relatively new personnel. That’s valid, but it’s evident both Brett Brown and the players are making positive strides. Keeping the most talented starting five in the Eastern Conference healthy takes precedent.
Butler’s attitude and history would suggest an uptick in aggression, effort and impact in the postseason. The Sixers need to make sure he’s prepared on a physical level to flip the switch and begin unleashing Jimmy G. Buckets in his purest form.