It matters across the board, but yes rosters shrink in the playoffs. I do not expect the Thunder to do that as much as some though because they don’t have to. They have a bunch of guys that can go off any given night so they have options.
You have to include LA too...Lebron and Luka. That is a better duo than GS unless you think the supporting cast is better in GS and I am not sure anyone believes that....
I think 10 is the minimum with Shai, Jdub, Chet, Hartenstein, Wallace, Dort, Wiggins, Joe, Caruso and Kenrich Williams all getting at least some regular rotation minutes. JWil will play a little depending on the competition and on any given night Dieng could be called on for a few minutes. He has played pretty well when called on of late. I know it’s a lot of guys but if Ajay Mitchell is healthy he may as well. They are just a deep team.
Cleveland has 10 as well. Maybe starters do play a bit more minutes especially in close or clinching games but the identity has also been depth the entire season. I doubt that will change much in the postseason. Also will depend on if guys are hot too.
I was talking about possibly just a few minutes for the other guys.
Insecurity raising it's ugly head again.
I think it comes down to Lakers vs Thunder - and that is going to be the best match I have seen since Portland vs Lakers in the first of their three peat and then Sacramento vs Lakers two years later.
Overall more talent than LA, but as good as SGA is can make a case Lebron and Luka are better, Very least have shown to be in the playoffs. That could go a long way.
Core 4 and Hunter would think likely get their reg. minutes (maybe a few extra if needed). Guess Allen might not depending on a matchup. Would think Strus and Jerome get a good amount of minutes each game. Wade, Merrill, Okoro might be based on matchup, game flow, how they play when used, etc.
