Tyronn Lue says Cavaliers will prioritize rest over no. 1 seed

Thanks to a 27-6 stretch by the red-hot Toronto Raptors, the Cleveland Cavaliers sit just one game clear of them for top spot in the Eastern Conference standings with 13 games remaining.

While getting home-court advantage in a potential Eastern Conference Finals showdown would be ideal for the Cavaliers, head coach Tyronn Lue would prefer his players remain healthy come April.

"We definitely want the No. 1 seed if we can get it, but I think we have to rest our guys also," Lue said to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I think health going into the playoffs is more important than the seeding. If we're fortunate enough to get the No. 1 seed, it will be great for us. But if not, then we just got to play through it."

Lue has been particularly conscious not to overwork four-time MVP LeBron James, resting him in two games following the All-Star break, and lowering his minutes per game well below his career average.

Although many Cleveland fans would prefer to see their squad grab the No. 1 seed, Lue notes that they'll also need to win away from Quicken Loans Arena if they hope to capture a title.

"I think all championship teams have to win on the road anyway," Lue said. "So, (the No. 1 seed is) important to us, but also being healthy going into the playoffs is more important."

Rest or no rest, the Cavaliers have the third-easiest remaining schedule in the Eastern Conference, a sign they will likely finish the season strong either way.