LeBron hints at sitting out next 2 games, both against Celtics

The Boston Celtics might end up thanking their lucky stars that Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd opted to mysteriously bench young forward Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday.

Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks came up just short against the Cleveland Cavaliers, allowing the Cavs to wrap up the Central Division and the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed, and giving LeBron James the opportunity to rest during the regular season's final week.

That final week includes an impending home-and-away split with the Celtics, and James is reportedly considering sitting out both games.

From ESPN's Brian Windhorst:

Though he made no definitive proclamation, James hinted he might sit the next two games, which both happen to be against the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics in a fight to clinch a playoff spot and with the bottom six seeds in the conference still in flux, this potential development could have an affect on things.

The Celtics are locked in a virtual tie with the Brooklyn Nets for the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed, but the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat both sit just a game back. Even securing a split of two games that look like ostensible losses could help seal the Celtics' postseason fate.

James has already made it clear he'll rest at some point in the final week, but the question is when.

"I always like to take 1-2 games off before the postseason and use the time off to get in good form," James said Wednesday.

Given the implications of those upcoming games, James may have the rare opportunity to play kingmaker (to the extent that getting a low seed in the East playoffs makes one worthy of a crown).

The Celtics wait with bated breath.