Thunder-Lakers: Small rotation change?

Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he might alter his rotation slightly today against the Lakers. An hour before tipoff, Brooks stood in the bowels of the Staples Center and said he might play his starters longer, if they’re playing well.

“If a guy is playing well, we might play him a few more minutes,” Brooks said. “But rest is just as important.” Brooks noted that timeouts are longer in the playoffs, so more rest will come naturally during the game. “Our guys have deserved the opportunity to show what they can do.”

Brooks typically sits Kevin Durant for five minutes in the second quarter and fourth quarter. Brooks also sits Russell Westbrook for some of the same stretches, though a little bit longer.

I wouldn’t recommend playing too long without Durant or Westbrook, much less both of them. The one prime advantage for the Thunder in this series is young legs. Play Durant 42-44 minutes, and Westbrook 40-42 minutes, and the Thunder might get an edge over the Lakers.

Good news for the rotation: center Nenad Krstic says he’s physically fine. “No restrictions,” said Krstic, who has missed the previous four games with a bruised knee.