We're fifth!

by Mike Prada on Apr 13, 2008 4:26 PM EDT

Toronto's loss to Detroit made it official. For the third straight year, we're going to be playing Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.

This creates an interesting scenario. Should we shut down Butler and anyone else mildly hurt for the next two games so they're totally healthy for the playoffs, or should we keep playing everyone and try to take over the fourth seed?

Discuss.

Additional stuff: According to this, those ads with the split faces will continue in the playoffs with players from the playoff pairings splitting the screen, so you might have to get ready to see a lot LeBrendan Jaywood in the coming weeks.

(Your recap is on the way, until then refrain from rioting.)

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You pose an interesting question....

After Cleveland throttles Miami later today, the Wiz will still be 2 games back of the 4th spot....so I doubt they will catch the home court advantage.

I would say rest Caron against the Pacers....but bring him back against the Magic to get him in playoff rhythm.

Can't really sit Stevenson because of "the steak"

Not sure of AD's status....isn't he in the "not gonna make the wrist worse" mode - so he probably plays.

Gilbert needs all the 20-25 minute windows he can get.

www.truthaboutit.net

by Kyle Weidie on Apr 13, 2008 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

Ditto on all counts.

Anyone else see Gil's minutes jumping to the 30s come playoff time?

"My swag [is] phenomenal."

by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 13, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

How about that?

The Heat actually made it a game with Cleveland...but still lost by 8.

LeBron's back is hurting as it is....he can't possibly put the Cavs on it this year.

www.truthaboutit.net

by Kyle Weidie on Apr 13, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Ridiculous commercial

Nice catch by Prada, both on the link and Brendan's acting gig...

by crucifictorious on Apr 13, 2008 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

For the record

The second part of this post was written by Jake.

Thanks, though.

Predicting how this squad is going to perform is like trying to solve trig problems with pen and paper. -sierradave.

by Mike Prada on Apr 13, 2008 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Rest Butler Tonight, But Play to Win on Wednesday

The Wizards should beat the Pacers without Caron. Especially if they play like they did against Philly. But the 4th seed is not unrealistic. Cleveland plays Philly tonight and Detroit on Wednesday. 0 and 2 for them would not be that surprising. That means the Wizards just need to take card of business against Indy tonight and then play hard against Orlando on Wednesday. The Magic are a better team on the road than they are at home, and home-court advantage can be huge in the playoffs.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 14, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

One Caveat

If Cleveland beats Philly tonight, rest everybody on Wednesday. I'm not worried about playoff "rhythm". The Wizards usually play better after they've been trounced the previous game anyway.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 14, 2008 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

I don't know if I agree...

But i'm pretty sure eddie jordan doesn't. I don't think he'll give tuff juice and jamison a full 40 minutes or anything, but he's talked a lot about getting gil worked back into the team, working with different units, etc. I gil needs more games, but he needs to be playing them w/ the teammates he'll have on the floor with him in the playoffs. Otherwise the temptation will be there for him to just take over the game himself and leave his teammates out.

by five by five on Apr 14, 2008 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Fight for it tonight

Indiana is still alive in the playoff race. They're going to be motivated tonight. Cleveland is matching up with a Philly team that is struggling over position, and they're coming off a stinker yesterday where they actually trailed MIAMI going into the fourth! (tangent: watching that game, I found myself actually rooting for the Miami Heat. Something broke inside of me in that moment. I think it was my sense of childlike wonder.)

My point is that the smart money is on Philly winning at home tonight, but it's also on Indiana playing with a fire in their bellies. I say monitor minutes, sure, but if Caron can play, he should suit up. Let's put the pressure on Cleveland, let them sweat about a final game matchup with a Detroit squad that hasn't forgotten last year's playoffs. Reaching the four spot is a stretch, but I think it's one this team should push for.

by sierradave on Apr 14, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply actions