Now the starters can rest or get limited Mins

[Budkin]

and don't forget, that hca in the finals isnt even that welcome with the 2-3-2-system!

rest them now!

I don't buy that. Playing a potential game 7 on the road is a huge disadvantage. And it's rare that the team with 3 straight games at home actually wins them all.

[DesignatedT]

I would treat Utah like the last game of the season. Play a playoff rotation type game and get that W and then rest the big 3 + Dice the last 2 games of the season. That will give guys like Hill and RJ a chance to be aggressive and find there shot before the playoffs start and give the other guys a full 7 days off before the playoffs begin.

[jmanu20]

Who are the defending EC champs?

I'll give you a hint: it ain't the Bulls.

Only in name, NOT in personnel. Perkins is gone (and he is already having an effect on OKC's D and toughness), Krstic is not strong defensively (and banged up), Shaq is done. This leaves Jermaine O' Neal as the only option at the 5....the Bulls would have a good chance.

[Juggity]

The Bulls beat the out of us when we played them at home. If we get to the finals against them without HCA, I seriously question our ability to win that series.

[Mel_13]

I would treat Utah like the last game of the season. Play a playoff rotation type game and get that W and then rest the big 3 + Dice the last 2 games of the season. That will give guys like Hill and RJ a chance to be aggressive and find there shot before the playoffs start and give the other guys a full 7 days off before the playoffs begin.

[alchemist]

The Bulls beat the out of us when we played them at home. If we get to the finals against them without HCA, I seriously question our ability to win that series.

last game of the road trip vs. a week to prepare for Chicago.......

[wontstartdumbthreads]

I would treat Utah like the last game of the season. Play a playoff rotation type game and get that W and then rest the big 3 + Dice the last 2 games of the season. That will give guys like Hill and RJ a chance to be aggressive and find there shot before the playoffs start and give the other guys a full 7 days off before the playoffs begin.

I agree with this for the most part. But would you want to totally sit out the Big 3? Is there any concern about having to get them cranked up again? As opposed to maybe playing them 10-15 minutes in the remaining games?