If Portland coaches and management were smart then we wouldn't see Nic until Jan 3rd and the upcoming road trip. I would much rather take our chances without Nic against Memphis and Toronto than without Nic in the playoffs.
Honestly, just freaking play Wright or CJ or "The Claver" or some combination thereof. Nico is great, but a bit fragile. Favoring his ankle, playing without balance, is going to put more stress on other components of his skinny frame and increase the probability of other injury, let alone aggravating the ones he has.
I agree. Potentially losing a few games before the break is less important that keeping Batum healthy for the playoffs. Start with CJ and a small line-up, and if that doesn't work, put in either Wright or Claver. Make Tayshaun Prince score against Wes Matthews, and if that happens, then rotate in one of the SFs and put CJ off the bench for the rest of the game.
If they do end up resting Batum for awhile, I think we'd definitely miss him, however it would be a good opportunity for some of the guys you mentioned to gain confidence with more extended playing time, which isn't the worst idea in the world. OKC, for example, is going to be much better off having guys on the bench who know they can step up and win when called upon. The team itself now knows they can win without their 2nd best player. The coach knows better who he can rely on, etc. Same with the Spurs when they rest their stars. This makes the team stronger and deeper in the long run. Portland got their current record due to fortunate health and consistency with the starting five, but in a way that can be a curse in disguise. If the first bit of tough luck comes near the end of the regular season or in the post-season, nobody (even the team) knows how they'll respond. So a little adversity I think is a good thing over the course of a season, as long as we're healthy and clicking if/when we get to the playoffs.
I'd even consider starting Robinson at SF. He has the quickness. And think of him crashing the O-Boards with Lopez blocking out and Dame/Wes/LMA bombing from the perimeter!
Are we expecting to play OKC during Nic's hypothetical rest? And really - does it matter who "guards" KD right now? Either way, changes can be made on a game-by-game basis. I just said I'd consider Robinson, not that I'd consider starting Robinson against KD.
Only a select few can guard that man. LBJ and MKG are the only guys right now who would give him much trouble
