The Lakers drubbed the Spurs, 106 – 85. However, Manu did not play for San Antonio. Intentional? Or not? Popovich says Manu is injured. I believe him, but did he really not play because of the injury? Or has Popovich started using playoff tactics?

Maybe Popovich sees the Lakers as the team to beat. That is why he withheld Manu. That way, the Lakers will think they only won because Manu did not play. The Spurs beat the Lakers when Gasol did not play. Perhaps, Popovich was thinking, if the Lakers won while Manu was playing now, the Lakers would gain confidence and think they can beat the Spurs anytime as long as they have Pau.

Popovich lamented, “We’re better off to be a lower seed with a healthy Manu, than to be a higher seed and not have Manu available.”

Shrewd Popovich. Just hope you don’t get to face the Suns first.