Brooklyn Nets: Analyzing the team’s 8 games leading up to the Playoffs

Game Six – Nets vs Clippers (Again)

Load management stands as perhaps the factor most responsible for LA’s position below the Lakers going into the playoffs, and now with the playoffs even closer, their “rest up” strategy grows even more justifiable.

With the Clippers at full strength, the still Nets lack the star power to contend with them, but if they continue to play things safe and stow away their star players after they adjust back into playing shape but before the playoffs begin, and opportunity for the Nets to steal a win certainly arises.

More specifically, if either Leonard or George decided to sit out their second game against the Nets, watch for Brooklyn to make no fuss about it and take advantage. Without either Leonard, George, or sometimes either player, the Clippers appeared undoubtedly vulnerable this year, dropping games against unimpressive opponents like the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Phoenix Suns. Those teams combined have a .382 winning percentage, one far below Brooklyn’s .469 mark.

Brooklyn’s position as a borderline playoff team opposed to LA’s cemented spot also helps apply a slight mental edge for the Nets during this matchup.

Although the Clippers might show some aggression while trying to keep the Denver Nuggets from hopping up a spot and snatching the two seed, the motivation provided by just playoff berth alone weighs far heavier than one derived from only a playoff positioning ordeal.

Ultimately, you only really worry about something like missing a flight, rather than what seat you might get.

Potentially sprinting through the terminal after buying a ticket for the middle seat, farthest from the bathroom, and without an air conditioner, the Nets might need to win this game in order to hop aboard the NBA’s playoff plane just before it takes off.